Devereux. Were it well over—hey, Macdonald? I
Feel queerly on the occasion, devil knows! 155
Macdonald. And I too. 'Tis too great a personage.
People will hold us for a brace of villains.
Butler. In plenty, honour, splendour—You may safely
Laugh at the people's babble.
Devereux. If the business
Squares with one's honour—if that be quite certain— 160
Butler. Set your hearts quite at ease. Ye save for Ferdinand
His Crown and Empire. The reward can be
No small one.
Devereux. And 'tis his purpose to dethrone the Emperor?
Butler. Yes!—Yes!—to rob him of his crown and life. 165
Devereux. And he must fall by the executioner's hands,
Should we deliver him up to the Emperor
Alive?
Butler. It were his certain destiny.
Devereux. Well! Well! Come then, Macdonald, he shall not
Lie long in pain. 170