Page:Keats - Poetical Works, DeWolfe, 1884.djvu/361

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OTHO THE GREAT.
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Though I did hold you high in my esteemFor your self's sake, I do not personateThe stage-play emperor to entrap applause,To set the silly sort o' the world agape,And make the politic smile; no, I have heardHow in the Council you condemn'd this war,Urging the perfidy of broken faith,—For that I am your friend.
 Gersa.If ever, sire,You are my enemy, I dare here swear'Twill not be Gersa's fault. Otho, farewell!
 Otho. Will you return, Prince, to our banqueting?
 Gersa. As to my father's board I will return.
 Otho. Conrad, with all due ceremony, giveThe prince a regal escort to his camp;Albert, go thou and bear him company.Gersa, farewell!
 Gersa.All happiness attend you!
 Otho. Return with what good speed you may; for soonWe must consult upon our terms of peace.[Exeunt Gersa and Albert with others. And thus a marble column do I buildTo prop my empire's dome. Conrad, in theeI have another steadfast one to upholdThe portals of my state; and, for my ownPre-eminence and safety, I will striveTo keep thy strength upon its pedestal.For, without thee, this day I might have beenA show-monster about the streets of Prague,In chains, as just now stood that noble prince:And then to me no mercy had been shown,
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