Page:Keats - Poetical Works, DeWolfe, 1884.djvu/370

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OTHO THE GREAT.
 Conrad.My gracious Prince,All men may err. In truth I was deceivedIn your great father's nature, as you were.Had I known that of him I have since known,And what you soon will learn, I would have turn'dMy sword to my own throat, rather than heldIts threatening edge against a good King's quiet:Or with one word fever'd you, gentle Prince,Who seem'd to me, as rugged times then went,Indeed too much oppress'd. May I be boldTo tell the Emperor you will haste to him?
 Ludolph. Your Dukedom's privilege will grant so much.[Exit Conrad. He's very close to Otho, a tight leech!Your hand—I go! Ha! here the thunder comesSullen against the wind! If in two angry browsMy safety lies, then, Sigifred, I'm safe.
Enter Otho and Conrad.
 Otho. Will you make Titan play the lackey-pageTo chattering pigmies? I would have you knowThat such neglect of our high MajestyAnnuls all feel of kindred. What is son,—Or friend,—or brother,—or all ties of bloodWhen the whole kingdom, centred in ourself,Is rudely slighted? Who am I to wait?By Peter's chair! I have upon my tongueA word to fright the proudest spirit here!—Death!—and slow tortures to the hardy fool,Who dares take such large charter from our smilesConrad, we would be private! Sigifred!Off! And none pass this way on pain of death![Exeunt Conrad and Sigifred. 
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