Gordon. Seize him, and hold him prisoner—do not kill him.
Butler. Had not the Emperor's army been defeated,
I might have done so.—But 'tis now past by.
Gordon. O, wherefore opened I the strong hold to him! 45
Butler. His destiny and not the place destroys him.
Gordon. Upon these ramparts, as beseemed a soldier,
I had fallen, defending the Emperor's citadel!
Butler. Yes! and a thousand gallant men have perished.
Gordon. Doing their duty—that adorns the man! 50
But murder's a black deed, and nature curses it.
Butler (brings out a paper). Here is the manifesto which commands us
To gain possession of his person. See—
It is addressed to you as well as me.
Are you content to take the consequences, [55]
If through our fault he escape to the enemy?
Gordon. I?—Gracious God!
Butler. Take it on yourself.
Let come of it what may, on you I lay it.