In such a cause
I am the veriest coward. O pity me!
POLITIAN (greatly softened)
Alas!- I do- indeed I pity thee.
CASTIGLIONE
And Lalage-
POLITIAN
Scoundrel!- arise and die!
CASTIGLIONE
It needeth not be- thus- thus- O let me die
Thus on my bended knee. It were most fitting
That in this deep humiliation I perish.
For in the fight I will not raise a hand
Against thee, Earl of Leicester. Strike thou home-
(Baring his bosom)
Here is no let or hindrance to thy weapon-
Strike home. I will not fight thee.
POLITIAN
Now, s' Death and Hell!
Am I not- am I not sorely- grievously tempted
To take thee at thy word? But mark me, sir,
Think not to fly me thus. Do thou prepare
For public insult in the streets- before
The eyes of the citizens. I'll follow thee
Like an avenging spirit I'll follow thee
Even unto death. Before those whom thou lovest-
Before all Rome I'll taunt thee, villain,- I'll taunt thee,
Dost hear? with cowardice- thou will not fight me?
Thou liest! thou shalt! (Exit)
CASTIGLIONE
Now this indeed is just!
Most righteous, and most just, avenging Heaven!
-THE END-
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