I am aware
Of nothing which might warrant thee in this thing,
Having given thee no offence. Ha!- am I right?
'Twas a mistake?- undoubtedly- we all
Do err at times.
POLITIAN
Draw, villain, and prate no more!
CASTIGLIONE
Ha!- draw?- and villain? have at thee then at once,
Proud Earl! (Draws)
POLITIAN (drawing)
Thus to the expiatory tomb,
Untimely sepulchre, I do devote thee
In the name of Lalage!
CASTIGLIONE
(letting fall his sword and recoiling to
the extremity of the stage)
Of Lalage!
Hold off- thy sacred hand!- avaunt, I say!
Avaunt- I will not fight thee- indeed I dare not.
POLITIAN
Thou wilt not fight with me didst say, Sir Count?
Shall I be baffled thus?- now this is well;
Didst say thou darest not? Ha!
CASTIGLIONE
I dare not- dare not-
Hold off thy hand- with that beloved name
So fresh upon thy lips I will not fight thee-
I cannot- dare not.
POLITIAN
Now by my halidom
I do believe thee!- coward, I do believe thee!
CASTIGLIONE
Ha!- coward!- this may not be!
(Clutches his sword and staggers towards POLITIAN, but
his purpose is changed before reaching him, and he
falls upon his knee at the feet of the Earl)
Alas! my lord,
It is- it is- most true.
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