Dev. Have we not sworn fidelity to Friedland? Macd. Have we not march'd to this place to protect him? But. Protect a traitor, and his country's enemy! Dev. Why, yes! in his name you administer'd Our oath. Macd. And follow'd him yourself to Egra. But. I did it the more surely to destroy him. Dev. So, then! Macd. But. (to Devereux) An alter'd case! Thou wretched man! So easily leav'st thou thy oath and colours? Dev. The devil!-I but follow'd your example, If you could prove a villain, why not we? Macd. We've nought to do with thinking—that's your business. You are our General, and give out the orders; We follow you, tho' the track lead to hell. But. (appeased) Good then! we know each other. Macd. I should hope so. Dev. Soldiers of fortune are we-who bids most, He has us. But. Well, for the present Ye must remain honest and faithful soldiers. Dev. We wish no other. But. It is the Emperor's will and ordinance Dev. It runs so in the letter. Macd. Alive or dead-these were the very words, In land and gold, who proffers aid thereto. Dev. Ay? That sounds well. The words sound always well That travel hither from the court. Yes! yes! The Duke's a splendid paymaster. But. All over With that, my friends! His lucky stars are set. Macd. And is that certain ? We must do more, my countrymen! In short But. You, Captain Devereux, and the Macdonald. Dev. (after a pause) Choose you some other. But. What? art dastardly? Thou, with full thirty lives to answer for- Dev. To assassinate our lord and general Nay, Macd. To whom we've sworn a soldier's oathBut. Is null, for Friedland is a traitor. Dev. No, no! It is too bad! The oath Yes, by my soul ! It is too bad. One has a conscience too Dev. If it were not our chieftain, who so long Has issued the commands, and claim'd our duty. But. Is that the objection ? Dev. Were it my own father, And the Emperor's service should demand it of me, That is a sin, a foul abomination, From which no monk or confessor absolves us. But. I am your Pope, and give you absolution. Determine quickly! Dev. Macd. "Twill not do! 'Twont do ! But. Well, off then! and-send Pestalutz to me. Dev. (hesitates) The Pestalutz Macd. What may you want with him? But. If you reject it, we can find enough Dev. Nay, if he must fall, we may earn the bounty As well as any other. Brother Macdonald? Macd. What think you, Why if he must fall, And will fall, and it can't be otherwise, One would not give place to this Pestalutz. Dev. (after some reflection) When do you purpose he should fall? But. This night. To-morrow will the Swedes be at our gates Dev. You take upon you all the consequences! Dev. And it is The Emperor's will, his express absolute will ? But. The manifesto says-alive or dead. Dev. Well, dead then! dead! But how can we come at him? The town is fill'd with Tertsky's soldiery. Macd. Ay! and then Tertsky still remains, and IlloBut. With these we shall begin-you understand me? Dev. How? And must they too perish? But. They the first. Macd. Hear, Devereux! A bloody evening this. Dev. Have you a man for that? Commission me- Dev. Hear General! It will be all one to you. Hark'e! let me exchange with Geraldin. But. "Twill be the lesser danger with the Duke. Dev. Danger! The devil! What do you think me, General? 'Tis the Duke's eye, and not his sword, I fear. But. What can his eye do to thee? Dev. Death and hell! Thou know'st that I'm no milk-sop, General! But 'tis not eight days, since the Duke did send me Twenty gold pieces for this good warm coat Why-why-the devil fetch me! I'm no milk-sop! But. The Duke presented thee this good warm coat, And thou, a needy wight, hast pangs of conscience To run him through the body in return. A coat that is far better and far warmer Did the Emperor give to him, the Prince's mantle. Dev. That is true. The devil take And would'st quiet Such thankers! I'll despatch him. But. Thy conscience, thou hast nought to do but simply With light heart and good spirits. |