Page:Keats - Poetical Works, DeWolfe, 1884.djvu/400

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384
OTHO THE GREAT.
Of unachievable tasks; small rivuletsThen seem impassable.
 Albert.Do not cheat yourselfWith hope that gloss of words, or suppliant action,Or tears, or ravings, or self-threaten’d death,Can alter my resolve.
 Auranthe.You make me tremble;Not so much at your threats, as at your voice,Untun’d, and harsh, and barren of all love.
 Albert. You suffocate me Stop this devil’s parley,And listen to me; know me once for all.
 Auranthe. I thought I did. Alas! I am deceived.
 Albert. No, you are not deceived. You took me forA man detesting all inhuman crime;And therefore kept from me your demon’s plotAgainst Erminia. Silent? Be so still;For ever! Speak no more; but hear my words,Thy fate. Your safety I have bought to-dayBy blazoning a lie, which in the dawnI’ll expiate with truth.
 Auranthe.O cruel traitor!For I would not set eyes upon thy shame;
 Albert. I would not see thee dragg’d to death by the hair,Penanced, and taunted on a scaffolding!To-night, upon the skirts of the blind woodThat blackens northward of these horrid towers,I wait for you with horses. Choose your fate.Farewell!
 Auranthe. Albert, you jest; I’m sure you must.You, an ambitious soldier! I, a queen,One who could say,—here, rule these provinces!Take tribute from those cities for thyself!
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