Page:Keats - Poetical Works, DeWolfe, 1884.djvu/422

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OTHO THE GREAT.
Join a loud voice to mine, and so denounceWhat I alone will execute!
 Otho.Dear son,What is it? By your father's love, I sueThat it be nothing merciless!
 Ludolph.To that demon?Not so! No! She is in temple-stallBeing garnish'd for the sacrifice, and I,The Priest of Justice, will immolate herUpon the altar of wrath! She stings me through!—Even as the worm doth feed upon the nut,So she, a scorpion, preys upon my brain!I feel her gnawing here! Let her but vanish,Then, father, I will lead your legions forth,Compact in steeled squares, and speared files,And bid our trumpets speak a fell rebukeTo nations drowsed in peace!
 Otho.To-morrow, son,Be your word law; forget to-day—
 Ludolph.I willWhen I have finished it! Now,—now, I'm pight,Tight-footed for the deed!
 Erminia.Alas! Alas!
 Ludolph. What angel's voice is that? Erminia!Ah! gentlest creature, whose sweet innocenceWas almost murder'd; I am penitent,Wilt thou forgive me? And thou, holy man,Good Ethelbert, shall I die in peace with you?
 Erminia. Die, my lord!
 Ludolph.I feel it possible.
 Otho.Physician?
 Physician. I fear me he is past my skill.
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