Macdonald. Safe against shot, and stab and flash! Hard frozen,
Secured, and warranted by the black art!
His body is impenetrable, I tell you.

Devereux. In Inglestadt there was just such another— 125
His whole skin was the same as steel; at last
We were obliged to beat him down with gunstocks.

Macdonald. Hear what I'll do.

Devereux. Well?

Macdonald. In the cloister here
There's a Dominican, my countryman.
I'll make him dip my sword and pike for me 130
In holy water, and say over them
One of his strongest blessings. That's probatum!
Nothing can stand 'gainst that.

Butler. So do, Macdonald!
But now go and select from out the regiment
Twenty or thirty able-bodied fellows, 135
And let them take the oaths to the Emperor.
Then when it strikes eleven, when the first rounds
Are passed, conduct them silently as may be
To the house—I will myself be not far off.

Devereux. But how do we get through Hartschier and Gordon, 140
That stand on guard there in the inner chamber?

Butler. I have made myself acquainted with the place.
I lead you through a back-door that's defended
By one man only. Me my rank and office
Give access to the Duke at every hour. 145
I'll go before you—with one poniard-stroke
Cut Hartschier's wind-pipe, and make way for you.

Devereux. And when we are there, by what means shall we gain
[[785]] The Duke's bed-chamber, without his alarming
The servants of the Court; for he has here 150
A numerous company of followers?

Butler. The attendants fill the right wing; he hates bustle,
And lodges in the left wing quite alone.