_Gonz._ Fellow-soldiers, Behold this man, and, taught by his example, Know that 'tis safer far to play with lightning, Than trifle in things sacred. In my rage [_Weeps._ I shed these at the funeral of his virtue, Faith, and religion; why, I will tell you:-- He was a gentleman so train'd up and fashion'd For noble uses, and his youth did promise Such certainties, more than hopes, of great achievements, As--if the Christian world had stood opposed Against the Othoman race, to try the fortune Of one encounter--this Bertoldo had been, For his knowledge to direct, and matchless courage To execute, without a rival, by The votes of good men, chosen general; As the prime soldier, and most deserving Of all that wear the cross: which now, in justice, I thus tear from him. _Bert._ Let me die with it Upon my breast. _Gonz._ No; by this thou wert sworn, On all occasions, as a knight, to guard Weak ladies from oppression, and never To draw thy sword against them; whereas thou, In hope of gain or glory, when a princess, And such a princess as Aurelia is, Was dispossess'd by violence of what was Her true inheritance, against thine oath Hast, to thy uttermost, labour'd to uphold Her falling enemy. But thou shalt pay A heavy forfeiture, and learn too late, Valour employ'd in an ill quarrel turns To cowardice, and Virtue then puts on Foul Vice's visor. This is that which cancels All friendship's bands between us.--Bear them off; I will hear no reply: and let the ransom Of these, for they are yours, be highly rated. In this I do but right, and let it be Styled justice, and not wilful cruelty. [_Exeunt._ FOOTNOTE: [156] _Carpet-knights._] A term of contempt very frequently used by our old writers. _Carpet-knights_ were such as were made on occasion of public festivities, marriages, births, &c., in contradistinction to those that were created on the field of battle, after a victory. They were naturally little regarded by the latter; and, indeed, their title had long been given in scorn, to effeminate courtiers, favourites, &c.--GIFFORD. ACT III. SCENE I. _The same. A Camp before the Walls of Sienna._ _Enter_ GONZAGA, ASTUTIO, RODERIGO, _and_ JACOMO. _Gonz._ What I have done, sir, by the law of arms I can and will make good. _Ast._ I have no commission To expostulate the act. These letters speak The king my master's love to you, and his Vow'd service to the duchess, on whose person I am to give attendance. _Gonz._ At this instant, She's at Fienza: you may spare the trouble Of riding thither: I have advertised her Of our success, and on what humble terms Sienna stands: though presently I can Possess it, I defer it, that she may Enter her own, and, as she please, dispose of The prisoners and the spoil.