SIGISMUND. You say well, it was an omen; But supposing the bright vision Even were true, since life is short, Let us dream, my soul a little, Once again, remembering now With all forethought and prevision That we must once more awake At the better time not distant; That being known, the undeceiving, When it comes, will be less bitter; For it takes the sting from evil To anticipate its visit. And with this conviction, too, Even its certainty admitting, That all power being only lent Must return unto the Giver, Let us boldly then dare all.-- For the loyalty you exhibit, Thanks, my lieges. See in me One who will this land deliver From a stranger's alien yoke. Sound to arms; you soon shall witness What my valour can effect. 'Gainst my father I have lifted Hostile arms, to see if Heaven Has of me the truth predicted. At my feet I am to see him . . . But if I, from dreams delivered, [Aside. Wake ere then, and nothing happens, Silence now were more befitting. ALL. Long live Sigismund, our king! * * * * * SCENE IV. CLOTALDO, SIGISMUND, CLARIN, and Soldiers. CLOTALDO. Ha! what tumult, Heavens! has risen? SIGISMUND. Well, Clotaldo. CLOTALDO. Sire . . . . On me [Aside. Will his wrath now fall. CLARIN [aside]. He'll fling him Headlong down the steep, I'll bet. [Exit. CLOTALDO. At your royal feet submitted I know how to die. SIGISMUND. My father, Rise, I pray, from that position, Since to you, my guide and polestar, Are my future acts committed; All my past life owes you much For your careful supervision. Come, embrace me. CLOTALDO. What do you say? SIGISMUND. That I dream, and that my wishes Are to do what's right, since we Even in dreams should do what's fitting. CLOTALDO. Then, my prince, if you adopt Acting rightly as your symbol, You will pardon me for asking, So to act, that you permit me. No advice and no assistance Can I give against my king. Better that my lord should kill me At his feet here. SIGISMUND. Oh, ungrateful! Villain! wretch! [Aside.] But Heavens! 'tis fitter I restrain myself, not knowing But all this may be a vision.-- The fidelity I envy Must be honoured and admitted. Go and serve your lord, the king. Where the battle rages thickest We shall meet. -- To arms, my friends! CLOTALDO. Thanks, most generous of princes. [Exit. SIGISMUND. Fortune, we go forth to reign; Wake me not if this is vision, Let me sleep not if 'tis true. But whichever of them is it, To act right is what imports me. If 'tis true, because it is so; If 'tis not, that when I waken Friends may welcome and forgive me. [Exeunt all, drums beating. * * * * * SCENE V. HALL IN THE ROYAL PALACE. BASILIUS and ASTOLFO.