The Works of Lord Byron Volume V Part 129

_Arn._ Away! they must not rally.

_Caes._ I tell thee, be not rash; a golden bridge Is for a flying enemy. I gave thee A form of beauty, and an Exemption from some maladies of body, But not of mind, which is not mine to give.

But though I gave the form of Thetis' son, I dipped thee not in Styx; and 'gainst a foe 20 I would not warrant thy chivalric heart More than Pelides' heel; why, then, be cautious, And know thyself a mortal still.

_Arn._ And who With aught of soul would combat if he were Invulnerable? That were pretty sport.

Think'st thou I beat for hares when lions roar?

[ARNOLD _rushes into the combat_.

_Caes._ A precious sample of humanity!

Well, his blood's up; and, if a little's shed, 'Twill serve to curb his fever.

[ARNOLD _engages with a Roman, who retires towards a portico_.

_Arn._ Yield thee, slave!

I promise quarter.

_Rom._ That's soon said.

_Arn._ And done---- 30 My word is known.

_Rom._ So shall be my deeds.

[_They re-engage_. CaeSAR _comes forward_.

_Caes._ Why, Arnold! hold thine own: thou hast in hand A famous artisan, a cunning sculptor; Also a dealer in the sword and dagger.

Not so, my musqueteer; 'twas he who slew The Bourbon from the wall.[245]

_Arn._ Aye, did he so?

Then he hath carved his monument.

_Rom._ I yet May live to carve your better's.

_Caes._ Well said, my man of marble! Benvenuto, Thou hast some practice in both ways; and he 40 Who slays Cellini will have worked as hard As e'er thou didst upon Carrara's blocks.

[ARNOLD _disarms and wounds_ CELLINI, _hit slightly: the latter draws a pistol, and fires; then retires, and disappears through the portico_.

_Caes._ How farest thou? Thou hast a taste, methinks, Of red Bellona's banquet.

_Arn._ (_staggers_). 'Tis a scratch.

Lend me thy scarf. He shall not 'scape me thus.

_Caes._ Where is it?

_Arn._ In the shoulder, not the sword arm-- And that's enough. I am thirsty: would I had A helm of water!

_Caes._ That's a liquid now In requisition, but by no means easiest To come at.

_Arn._ And my thirst increases;--but 50 I'll find a way to quench it.

_Caes._ Or be quenched Thyself.

_Arn._ The chance is even; we will throw The dice thereon. But I lose time in prating; Prithee be quick. [CaeSAR _binds on the scarf_.

And what dost thou so idly?

Why dost not strike?

_Caes._ Your old philosophers Beheld mankind, as mere spectators of The Olympic games. When I behold a prize Worth wrestling for, I may be found a Milo.[246]

_Arn._ Aye, 'gainst an oak.

_Caes._ A forest, when it suits me: I combat with a ma.s.s, or not at all. 60 Meantime, pursue thy sport as I do mine; Which is just now to gaze, since all these labourers Will reap my harvest gratis.

_Arn._ Thou art still A fiend!

_Caes._ And thou--a man.

_Arn._ Why, such I fain would show me.[dr]

_Caes._ True--as men are.

_Arn._ And what is that?

_Caes._ Thou feelest and thou see'st.

[_Exit_ ARNOLD, _joining in the combat which still continues between detached parties. The scene closes_.

SCENE III.--_St. Peter's--The interior of the Church--The Pope at the Altar--Priests, etc., crowding in confusion, and Citizens flying for refuge, pursued by Soldiery_.

_Enter_ CaeSAR.

_A Spanish Soldier_. Down with them, comrades, seize upon those lamps!

Cleave yon bald-pated shaveling to the chine!

His rosary's of gold!

_Lutheran Soldier_. Revenge! revenge!

Plunder hereafter, but for vengeance now-- Yonder stands Anti-Christ!

_Caes._ (_interposing_). How now, schismatic?

What wouldst thou?

_Luth. Sold._ In the holy name of Christ, Destroy proud Anti-Christ.[247] I am a Christian.

_Caes._ Yea, a disciple that would make the founder Of your belief renounce it, could he see Such proselytes. Best stint thyself to plunder. 10

_Luth. Sold._ I say he is the Devil.

_Caes._ Hus.h.!.+ keep that secret,[ds]

Lest he should recognise you for his own.

_Luth. Sold._ Why would you save him? I repeat he is The Devil, or the Devil's vicar upon earth.