University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Outside of Bireno's Castle.
Enter Bertram with bugle-horn, which he anxiously sounds—Ricardo, &c. follow, whom he informs of the perilous situation of the Princess.
BRAVURA SONG—RICARDO.
Tho' as rough are my looks as the bleak winter's storm,
And my blood's chill'd by Time's flapping wing;
I still feel my heart 'gainst oppression beat warm,
And my winter of age boasts the vigour of spring:
I ne'er bent the knee to ambition or vanity,
But a vot'ry I bow to thy shrine, oh! humanity!
Then let your swords and bucklers ring,
A noble impulse 'tis we own;
Die bravely fighting for your king,
Or live to serve him on his throne.
With anxious cares and dastard fears,
From oft-felt death, the coward flies;
But scorning care, disdaining fear,
'Tis only once a brave man dies!

Exeunt.