Part 18 (2/2)

Take back thy sword. How fares thy friend?

BERTRAND.

If he recover, hate to thee, unceasing, And to Hermione, he vows for ever!

DUKE.

Does he recover?

BERTRAND.

Wherefore askest thou?

DUKE.

Nay, chafe me not:--pa.s.sion but slowly sinks If still the wind buffet the boiling wave!

BERTRAND.

Thou threatenest well. I can defy thy wrath.

Another stroke might change the haughty hue Of thy proud boast.

FIRST ATTENDANT.

Nay, be at peace--again Ye may not quarrel. Soft, good signor, sheath Your perilous weapon. 'Tis not just we wait Another issue with decided strife.

DUKE.

Farewell!

I would depart while better reason yet Keeps stedfast watch. [_Exit._

BERTRAND.

Cool-hearted wretch!

Thy pa.s.sion kept not pace with thine occasion, Else had it minister'd to other issues.

Anger disarm'd me--not thine arm, a.s.sa.s.sin.

FIRST ATTENDANT.

Yet hath he braved it n.o.bly, and, methinks, A better name hath earn'd in thy report.

SECOND ATTENDANT.

Knowest thou thy foe?

BERTRAND.

What need? His name I wot not.

SECOND ATTENDANT.

The Duke!

BERTRAND.

The Duke?--of Mantua!

SECOND ATTENDANT.

'Tis he!

A n.o.bler heart beneath a truer breast Ne'er beat. I watch'd his bearing as he gave The weapon back to thy reluctant grasp: 'Twas just the air, the lofty temper'd port, I've seen him use, when, with proud condescension, Gracious--yet bating nought his dignity,-- He deals such pardon to the trembling culprit As makes the offence yet doubly heinous.

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