Butler (not yet come into view of the stage). Here stand in silence till I give the signal.
Gordon (starts up). 'Tis he, he has already brought the murderers.
Butler. The lights are out. All lies in profound sleep.
Gordon. What shall I do, shall I attempt to save him?
Shall I call up the house? Alarm the guards? 5
Butler (appears, but scarcely on the stage). A light gleams hither from the corridor.
It leads directly to the Duke's bedchamber.
Gordon. But then I break my oath to the Emperor;
If he escape and strengthen the enemy,
Do I not hereby call down on my head [10]
All the dread consequences?
Butler (stepping forward). Hark! Who speaks there?
Gordon. 'Tis better, I resign it to the hands
Of providence. For what am I, that I
Should take upon myself so great a deed?
I have not murdered him, if he be murdered: [15]
But all his rescue were my act and deed;
Mine—and whatever be the consequences,
I must sustain them.
Butler (advances). I should know that voice.