_Count._ (_To the Coms._) You hear them, lords? Well, then, what do you say? What would you do, you? _(To the prisoners)_ Heaven forbid that any Should think more highly than myself of me! You are all free, my friends; farewell! Go, follow Your fortune, and if e'er again it lead you Under a banner that's adverse to mine, Why, we shall see each other. _(The Count observes young Pergola and stops him.)_ Ho, young man, Thou art not of the vulgar! Dress, and face More clearly still, proclaims it; yet with the others Thou minglest and art silent? _Pergola._ Vanquished men Have nought to say, O captain. _Count._ This ill-fortune Thou bearest so, that thou dost show thyself Worthy a better. What's thy name? _Pergola._ A name Whose fame 't were hard to greaten, and that lays On him who bears it a great obligation. Pergola is my name. _Count._ What! thou 'rt the son Of that brave man? _Pergola._ I am he. _Count._ Come, embrace Thy father's ancient friend! Such as thou art That I was when I knew him first. Thou bringest Happy days back to me! the happy days Of hope. And take thou heart! Fortune did give A happier beginning unto me; But fortune's promises are for the brave. And soon or late she keeps them. Greet for me Thy father, boy, and say to him that I Asked it not of thee, but that I was sure This battle was not of his choosing. _Pergola._ Surely, He chose it not; but his words were as wind. _Count._ Let it not grieve thee; 't is the leader's shame Who is defeated; he begins well ever Who like a brave man fights where he is placed. Come with me, _(takes his hand)_ I would show thee to my comrades. I'd give thee back thy sword. Adieu, my lords; (_To the Coms._) I never will be merciful to your foes Till I have conquered them.