Page:Keats - Poetical Works, DeWolfe, 1884.djvu/375

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OTHO THE GREAT.
359
In these rough times. Brave soldier as you passTo royal Gersa with my humble thanks,Will you send yonder knight to me?
[Exit Captain.I will.
 Erminia. Yes, he was ever known to be a manFrank, open, generous; Albert I may trust.O proof! proof! proof! Albert's an honest man;Not Ethelbert the monk, if he were here,Would I hold more trustworthy. Now!
Enter Albert. Albert.Good Gods!Lady Erminia! are you prisonerIn this beleaguer'd camp? Or are you hereOf your own will? You pleased to send for me.By Venus, 'tis a pity I knew notYour plight before, and, by her Son, I swearTo do you every service you can ask.What would the fairest—?
 Erminia.Albert, will you swear?
 Albert. I have. Well!
 Erminia.Albert, you have fame to loseIf men, in court and camp, lie not outright,You should be, from a thousand, chosen forthTo do an honest deed. Shall confide—?
 Albert. Aye, anything to me, fair creature. Do,Dictate my task. Sweet woman,—
 Erminia.Truce with that.You understand me not; and, in your speech,I see how far the slander is abroad.Without proof could you think me innocent?
 Albert. Lady, I should rejoice to know you so.
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