Part 213 (1/2)

BUTLER.

And no brave man loses His color at a daring enterprise.

GORDON.

A brave man hazards life, but not his conscience.

BUTLER.

What then? Shall he go forth anew to kindle The unextinguishable flame of war?

GORDON.

Seize him, and hold him prisoner--do not kill him.

BUTLER.

Had not the emperor's army been defeated I might have done so. But 'tis now pa.s.sed by.

GORDON.

Oh, wherefore opened I the stronghold to him?

BUTLER.

His destiny, and not the place destroys him.

GORDON.

Upon these ramparts, as beseemed a soldier-- I had fallen, defending the emperor's citadel!

BUTLER.

Yes! and a thousand gallant men have perished!

GORDON.

Doing their duty--that adorns the man!

But murder's a black deed, and nature curses it.

BUTLER (brings out a paper).

Here is the manifesto which commands us To gain possession of his person. See-- It is addressed to you as well as me.

Are you content to take the consequences, If through our fault he escape to the enemy?

GORDON.

I? Gracious G.o.d!

BUTLER.

Take it on yourself.

Come of it what may, on you I lay it.

GORDON.

Oh, G.o.d in heaven!

BUTLER.

Can you advise aught else Wherewith to execute the emperor's purpose?

Say if you can. For I desire his fall, Not his destruction.

GORDON.