SIGISMUND. It was to save me from such words of scorn So courteously I spoke, Thinking to bind you by a gentler yoke; But if I am in aught what you have said, Then, as God lives, I will be all you dread. Ho, there! here leave us. See to it at your cost, The door be locked; let no one in. [Exeunt CLARIN and the attendants.] ROSAURA. I'm lost! Consider . . . . SIGISMUND. I'm a despot, and 'tis vain You strive to move me, or my will restrain. CLOTALDO [aside]. Oh, what a moment! what an agony! I will go forth and stop him though I die. [He advances.] My lord, consider, stay . . . . SIGISMUND. A second time you dare to cross my way. Old dotard: do you hold My rage in such slight awe you are so bold? What brought you hither? Speak! CLOTALDO. The accents of this voice, however weak, To tell you to restrain Your passions, if as King you wish to reign,-- Not to be cruel, though you deem Yourself the lord of all, for all may be a dream. SIGISMUND. You but provoke my rage By these old saws, the unwelcome light of age, In killing you, at least I'll see If 'tis a dream or truth. [As he is about to draw his dagger CLOTALDO detains it, and throws himself on his knees.] CLOTALDO. Sole hope for me To save my life is thus to humbly kneel. SIGISMUND. Take your audacious hand from off my steel. CLOTALDO. Till some kind aid be sent, Till some one come who may your rage prevent, I will not loose my hold. ROSAURA. Oh, Heaven! SIGISMUND. I say, Loose it, old dotard, grim and gaunt and gray, Or by another death [They struggle.] I'll crush you in my arms while you have breath. ROSAURA. Quick! quick! they slay Clotaldo, help! oh, help! [ASTOLFO enters at this moment, and CLOTALDO falls at his feet; he stands between them.] ASTOLFO. This strange affray, What can it mean, magnanimous Prince? would you So bright a blade imbrue In blood that age already doth congeal? Back to its sheath return the shining steel. SIGISMUND. Yes, when it is bathed red In his base blood. ASTOLFO. This threatened life hath fled For sanctuary to my feet; I must protect it in that poor retreat. SIGISMUND. Protect your own life, then, for in this way, Striking at it, I will the grudge repay I owe you for the past. ASTOLFO. I thus defend My life; but majesty will not offend. [ASTOLFO draws his sword and they fight.] CLOTALDO. Oh! wound him not, my lord. * * * * * SCENE IX. BASILIUS, ESTRELLA and Attendants, SIGISMUND, ASTOLFO, and CLOTALDO. BASILIUS. Swords flashing here!-- ESTRELLA [aside]. Astolfo is engaged: -- Oh, pain severe! BASILIUS. What caused this quarrel? Speak, say why? ASTOLFO. 'Tis nothing now, my lord, since thou art by. SIGISMUND. 'Tis much, although thou now art by, my lord. I wished to kill this old man with my sword. BASILIUS. Did you not then respect These snow-white hairs? CLOTALDO. My lord will recollect They scarce deserved it, being mine.