_Butler (appears, but scarcely on the stage)._ A light gleams hither from the corridor. It leads directly to the Duke's bedchamber. _Gordon._ But then I break my oath to the Emperor; If he escape and strengthen the enemy, Do I not hereby call down on my head 10 All the dread consequences? _Butler (stepping forward)._ Hark! Who speaks there? _Gordon._ 'Tis better, I resign it to the hands Of providence. For what am I, that I Should take upon myself so great a deed? I have not murdered him, if he be murdered: 15 But all his rescue were my act and deed; Mine--and whatever be the consequences, I must sustain them. _Butler (advances)._ I should know that voice. _Gordon._ Butler! _Butler._ 'Tis Gordon. What do you want here? Was it so late then, when the Duke dismissed you? 20 _Gordon._ Your hand bound up and in a scarf? _Butler._ 'Tis wounded. That Illo fought as he was frantic, till At last we threw him on the ground. _Gordon._ Both dead? _Butler._ Is he in bed? _Gordon._ Ah, Butler! _Butler._ Is he? speak. _Gordon._ He shall not perish! Not through you! The Heaven 25 Refuses your arm. See--'tis wounded!-- _Butler._ There is no need of my arm. _Gordon._ The most guilty Have perished, and enough is given to justice. [_The_ Groom of the Chamber _advances from the gallery with his finger on his mouth, commanding silence._ _Gordon._ He sleeps! O murder not the holy sleep! _Butler._ No! he shall die awake. [_Is going._ _Gordon._ His heart still cleaves 30 To earthly things: he's not prepared to step Into the presence of his God! _Butler (going)._ God's merciful! _Gordon (holds him)._ Grant him but this night's respite. _Butler (hurrying off)._ The next moment May ruin all. _Gordon (holds him still)._ One hour!---- _Butler._ Unhold me! What Can that short respite profit him? _Gordon._ O--Time 35 Works miracles. In one hour many thousands Of grains of sand run out; and quick as they, Thought follows thought within the human soul. Only one hour! Your heart may change its purpose, His heart may change its purpose--some new tidings 40 May come; some fortunate event, decisive, May fall from Heaven and rescue him. O what May not one hour achieve! _Butler._ You but remind me, How precious every minute is! (_He stamps on the floor._) LINENOTES: [13] that _I_ 1800, 1828, 1829. [15] _I_ 1800, 1828, 1829. [16] _my_ 1800, 1828, 1829. [17] _Mine_ 1800, 1828, 1829.