University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Another Apartment in the Castle.
Enter Swartsburg, Malinski, and an Officer.
SWARTSBURG,
(to the officer.)
To-morrow, at first dawn, call forth the guard!
And let the Castle bell proclaim around
Alasco's execution.

MALINSKI.
Why not now?
By Heav'n, there's danger in an hour's delay!

SWARTSBURG.
“A quicker process would provoke remark,
“And look to much like vengeance.”

MALINSKI.
Vengeance!—well!—
“The Baron's death demands it—what do you fear?
“You're now the Governor—you have the power,
“And cannot want the will to avenge your friend.”

SWARTSBURG.
“Rather than he should 'scape the death that waits him,
“By Hell! I'd seize him in the sanctuary,
“And stab him on the altar.”—

MALINSKI.
“Send him, then,
“To instant execution.”—

SWARTSBURG.
'Twere too precipitate.

MALINSKI.
Are you secure, their idol as he is,
That his mad followers may not rally still,
And rescue him?—there's yet a nearer danger;—
'Tis said the King has reached the neighb'ring camp;
And should old Walsingham once gain his ear,
Trust me, his favor will stand good for more,
Than Count Alasco's pardon.

SWARTSBURG.
That resolves me,
He dies to-day—We'll put him past reprieve
And should our haste be questioned, call it zeal,
And loyal promptitude.

[Exit Swartsburg.
MALINSKI,
(solus.)
I will not trust
This wavering fool—'twere well to make all sure,
Myself—beside my views upon his wife,
Alasco knows too much of me, to live,
If I can shove him from the brink he stands on:
His pardon were my sentence.

[Exit.