The Duchess of Padua Part 17

MORANZONE

Nay, but it shall.

GUIDO

Listen, Lord Moranzone, I am resolved not to kill this man.

MORANZONE

Surely my ears are traitors, speak again: It cannot be but age has dulled my powers, I am an old man now: what did you say?

You said that with that dagger in your belt You would avenge your father's b.l.o.o.d.y murder; Did you not say that?

GUIDO

No, my lord, I said I was resolved not to kill the Duke.

MORANZONE

You said not that; it is my senses mock me; Or else this midnight air o'ercharged with storm Alters your message in the giving it.

GUIDO

Nay, you heard rightly; I'll not kill this man.

MORANZONE

What of thine oath, thou traitor, what of thine oath?

GUIDO

I am resolved not to keep that oath.

MORANZONE

What of thy murdered father?

GUIDO

Dost thou think My father would be glad to see me coming, This old man's blood still hot upon mine hands?

MORANZONE

Ay! he would laugh for joy.

GUIDO

I do not think so, There is better knowledge in the other world; Vengeance is G.o.d's, let G.o.d himself revenge.

MORANZONE

Thou art G.o.d's minister of vengeance.

GUIDO

No!

G.o.d hath no minister but his own hand.

I will not kill this man.

MORANZONE

Why are you here, If not to kill him, then?

GUIDO

Lord Moranzone, I purpose to ascend to the Duke's chamber, And as he lies asleep lay on his breast The dagger and this writing; when he awakes Then he will know who held him in his power And slew him not: this is the n.o.blest vengeance Which I can take.

MORANZONE

You will not slay him?

GUIDO

No.

MORANZONE

Ign.o.ble son of a n.o.ble father, Who sufferest this man who sold that father To live an hour.

GUIDO

'Twas thou that hindered me; I would have killed him in the open square, The day I saw him first.

MORANZONE

It was not yet time; Now it is time, and, like some green-faced girl, Thou pratest of forgiveness.

GUIDO

No! revenge: The right revenge my father's son should take.

MORANZONE

You are a coward, Take out the knife, get to the Duke's chamber, And bring me back his heart upon the blade.

When he is dead, then you can talk to me Of n.o.ble vengeances.

GUIDO

Upon thine honour, And by the love thou bearest my father's name, Dost thou think my father, that great gentleman, That generous soldier, that most chivalrous lord, Would have crept at night-time, like a common thief, And stabbed an old man sleeping in his bed, However he had wronged him: tell me that.