They are twelve regiments strong, and there are five Close by us to protect the Duke. We have Only my single regiment; and the garrison Is not two hundred strong.
It is not possible with such small force To hold in custody a man like him.
Soon the numbers would disarm us, And liberate him.
Know, I am warranty for the event; With my head have I pledged myself for his, Must make my word good, cost it what it will, And if alive we cannot hold him prisoner, Why--death makes all things certain!
Butler! What? Do I understand you? Gracious God! _You_ could--
Either you or I. This morning was his last.
Who leans with his whole confidence upon you!
Your General! The sacred person of your General!
That 'tis only A "_has been_" washes out no villiany. And without judgment pass'd?
The execution Is here instead of judgment.
This were murder, Not justice. The most guilty should be heard.
His guilt is clear, the Emperor has pass'd judgment, And we but execute his will.
We should not Hurry to realize a bloody sentence; A word may be recall'd, a life can never be.
No honest man's ambitious to press forward To the hangman's service.
And no brave man loses His color at a daring enterprise.
A brave man hazards life, but not his conscience.
What then? Shall he go forth anew to kindle The unextinguishable flame of war?
Seize him, and hold him prisoner--do not kill him.
Had not the Emperor's army been defeated, I might have done so.--But 'tis now past by.
O, wherefore open'd I the stronghold to him?
His destiny and not the place destroys him.
Upon these ramparts, as beseem'd a soldier, I had fallen, defending the Emperor's citadel!
Yes, and a thousand gallant men have perish'd.
Doing their duty--that adorns the man! But murder's a black deed, and nature curses it.
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?
Take it on yourself Come of it what may; on you I lay it.
Can you advise aught else Wherewith to execute the Emperor's purpose? Say if you can. For I desire his fall, Not his destruction.
Merciful heaven! what must be I see as clear as you. Yet still the heart Within my bosom beats with other feelings!