The Continental Monthly, Vol. 6, No. 6, December 1864, page 39 by Various Authors
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lost?
THE MAN. Not all, unless your courage fail before the time.
THE COUNT. Before what time?
THE MAN. Before death!
A BARON (leading him off on the other side). It is reported that you have seen and spoken with our dreadful foe, Count Henry. If we should fall into his hands, will he have the least compassion upon us?
THE MAN. To tell you the truth, such compassion as our fathers never dreamed could be shown to them: 'the gallows!'
THE BARON. We must guard against that to the utmost of our power!
THE MAN. What says your excellency?
PRINCE. I must speak a few words alone with you, (He draws Count Henry aside.) It is all very well to encourage our people, but you must surely be aware that we can hold out no longer.
THE MAN. What else is left us, prince?
PRINCE. As you have been appointed chief, it is for you to propose the terms of capitulation.
THE MAN. Not so loud....
PRINCE. Why not?
THE MAN. Because your excellency would thus forfeit your own life! (He turns to the men thronging around him.) He who speaks of surrender will be punished with death!
BARON, COUNT, AND PRINCE (together.) He who speaks of surrender will be punished with death!
ALL. With death! With death! Vivat! vivat!
EXEUNT.
* * * * *
The gallery of the tower. The Man. Jacob.
THE MAN. Where is my son, Jacob?
JACOB. He is in the north tower, seated on the threshold of the old vault and dungeon, singing strange songs of prophecy.
THE MAN. Man the Leonoren bastion as strongly as possible, stir not from the spot, and make constant use of the best glass to observe what movements are going on among the forces of the besiegers.
JACOB. So help me God the Lord!
It were well to give a glass of brandy to our troops to keep up their sinking courage.
THE MAN. If necessary, open the cellars of our counts and princes.
Exit Jacob.