ILLO. War is violent trade; one cannot always Finish one's work by soft means; every trifle Must not be blackened into sacrilege. If we should wait till you, in solemn council, With due deliberation had selected The smallest out of four-and-twenty evils, I' faith we should wait long-- "Dash! and through with it!" That's the better watchword. Then after come what may come. 'Tis man's nature To make the best of a bad thing once past. A bitter and perplexed "what shall I do?" Is worse to man than worst necessity. QUESTENBERG. Ay, doubtless, it is true; the duke does spare us The troublesome task of choosing. BUTLER. Yes, the duke Cares with a father's feelings for his troops; But how the emperor feels for us, we see. QUESTENBERG. His cares and feelings all ranks share alike, Nor will he offer one up to another. ISOLANI. And therefore thrusts he us into the deserts As beasts of prey, that so he may preserve His dear sheep fattening in his fields at home. QUESTENBERG (with a sneer). Count! this comparison you make, not I. ILLO. Why, were we all the court supposes us 'Twere dangerous, sure, to give us liberty. QUESTENBERG (gravely). You have taken liberty--it was not given you, And therefore it becomes an urgent duty To rein it in with the curbs. ILLO. Expect to find a restive steed in us. QUESTENBERG. A better rider may be found to rule it. ILLO. He only brooks the rider who has tamed him. QUESTENBERG. Ay, tame him once, and then a child may lead him. ILLO. The child, we know, is found for him already. QUESTENBERG. Be duty, sir, your study, not a name.