_Butler._ And would'st quiet Thy conscience, thou hast nought to do but simply Pull off the coat; so canst thou do the deed 115 With light heart and good spirits. _Devereux._ You are right. That did not strike me. I'll pull off the coat-- So there's an end of it. _Macdonald._ Yes, but there's another Point to be thought of. _Butler._ And what's that, Macdonald? _Macdonald._ What avails sword or dagger against him? 120 He is not to be wounded--he is-- _Butler._ What? _Macdonald._ Safe against shot, and stab and flash! Hard frozen, Secured, and warranted by the black art! His body is impenetrable, I tell you. _Devereux._ In Inglestadt there was just such another-- 125 His whole skin was the same as steel; at last We were obliged to beat him down with gunstocks. _Macdonald._ Hear what I'll do. _Devereux._ Well? _Macdonald._ In the cloister here There's a Dominican, my countryman. I'll make him dip my sword and pike for me 130 In holy water, and say over them One of his strongest blessings. That's probatum! Nothing can stand 'gainst that. _Butler._ So do, Macdonald! But now go and select from out the regiment Twenty or thirty able-bodied fellows, 135 And let them take the oaths to the Emperor. Then when it strikes eleven, when the first rounds Are passed, conduct them silently as may be To the house--I will myself be not far off. _Devereux._ But how do we get through Hartschier and Gordon, 140 That stand on guard there in the inner chamber? _Butler._ I have made myself acquainted with the place. I lead you through a back-door that's defended By one man only. Me my rank and office Give access to the Duke at every hour. 145 I'll go before you--with one poniard-stroke Cut Hartschier's wind-pipe, and make way for you. _Devereux._ And when we are there, by what means shall we gain The Duke's bed-chamber, without his alarming The servants of the Court; for he has here 150 A numerous company of followers? _Butler._ The attendants fill the right wing; he hates bustle, And lodges in the left wing quite alone. _Devereux._ Were it well over--hey, Macdonald? I Feel queerly on the occasion, devil knows! 155 _Macdonald._ And I too. 'Tis too great a personage. People will hold us for a brace of villains. _Butler._ In plenty, honour, splendour--You may safely Laugh at the people's babble. _Devereux._ If the business Squares with one's honour--if that be quite certain-- 160