Laska. Scarce had I got the first glimpse of her veil,
When, with a horrid roar that made the leaves
Of the wood shake—

Emerick. Made thee shake like a leaf!

Laska. The war-wolf leapt; at the first plunge he seized her;
Forward I rushed!

Emerick. Most marvellous!

Laska. Hurled my javelin; [30]
Which from his dragon-scales recoiling—

Emerick. Enough!
And take, friend, this advice. When next thou tonguest it,
Hold constant to thy exploit with this monster,
And leave untouched your common talk aforesaid,
What your Lord did, or should have done.

Laska. My talk? [35]
The saints forbid! I always said, for my part,
[[927]] 'Was not the king Lord Casimir's dearest friend?
Was not that friend a king? Whate'er he did
'Twas all from pure love to his Majesty.'

Emerick. And this then was thy talk? While knave and coward, [40]
Both strong within thee, wrestle for the uppermost,
In slips the fool and takes the place of both.
Babbler! Lord Casimir did, as thou and all men.
He loved himself, loved honours, wealth, dominion.
All these were set upon a father's head: 45
Good truth! a most unlucky accident!
For he but wished to hit the prize; not graze
The head that bore it: so with steady eye
Off flew the parricidal arrow.—Even
As Casimir loved Emerick, Emerick [50]
Loves Casimir, intends him no dishonour.
He winked not then, for love of me forsooth!
For love of me now let him wink! Or if
The dame prove half as wise as she is fair,
He may still pass his hand, and find all smooth. [55]
[Passing his hand across his brow.

Laska. Your Majesty's reasoning has convinced me.

Emerick. Thee!
'Tis well! and more than meant. For by my faith
I had half forgotten thee.—Thou hast the key? [Laska bows.
And in your lady's chamber there's full space?