CLOTALDO. One who can so wisely make Such reflections on this case Should have ample time and space, Even for the Solon's sake, [To the Servant.] To discuss it; him you'll take To this cell here, and keep bound. [Pointing to an adjoining room] CLARIN. But why me? CLOTALDO. Because 'tis found Safe, when clarions secrets know, Clarions to lock up, that so They may not have power to sound. CLARIN. Did I, since you treat me thus, Try to kill my father? No. Did I from the window throw That unlucky Icarus? Is my drink somniferous? Do I dream? Then why be pent? CLOTALDO. 'Tis a clarion's punishment. CLARIN. Then a horn of low degree, Yea, a cornet I will be, A safe, silent instrument. [They take him away, and CLOTALDO remains alone.] * * * * * SCENE XVII. BASILIUS, disguised; CLOTALDO, and SIGISMUND, asleep. BASILIUS. Hark, Clotaldo! CLOTALDO. My lord here? Thus disguised, your majesty? BASILIUS. Foolish curiosity Leads me in this lowly gear To find out, ah, me! with fear, How the sudden change he bore. CLOTALDO. There behold him as before In his miserable state. BASILIUS. Wretched Prince! unhappy fate! Birth by baneful stars watched o'er!-- Go and wake him cautiously, Now that strength and force lie chained By the opiate he hath drained. CLOTALDO. Muttering something restlessly, See he lies. BASILIUS. Let's listen; he May some few clear words repeat. SIGISMUND. [Speaking in his sleep.] Perfect Prince is he whose heat Smites the tyrant where he stands, Yes, Clotaldo dies by my hands, Yes, my sire shall kiss my feet. CLOTALDO. Death he threatens in his rage. BASILIUS. Outrage vile he doth intend. CLOTALDO. He my life has sworn to end. BASILIUS. He has vowed to insult my age. SIGISMUND [still sleeping]. On the mighty world's great stage, 'Mid the admiring nations' cheer, Valour mine, that has no peer, Enter thou: the slave so shunned Now shall reign Prince Sigismund, And his sire he wrath shall fear.-- [He awakes.] But, ah me! Where am I? Oh!-- BASILIUS. Me I must not let him see. [To CLOTALDO.] Listening I close by will be, What you have to do you know. [He retires.] SIGISMUND. Can it possibly be so? Is the truth not what it seemed? Am I chained and unredeemed? Art not thou my lifelong tome, Dark old tower? Yes! What a doom! God! what wondrous things I've dreamed! CLOTALDO. Now in this delusive play Must my special part be taken:-- Is it not full time to waken? SIGISMUND. Yes, to waken well it may. CLOTALDO. Wilt thou sleep the livelong day?-- Since we gazing from below Saw the eagle sailing slow, Soaring through the azure sphere, All the time thou waited here, Didst thou never waken?