_Per._ Oh! he gave Far other counsels, but his fruitless words Were spoken to the winds. _Car._ Lament thou not. Upon his chieftain’s head the shame will rest Of this defeat; and he who firmly stood Fix’d at his post of peril hath begun A soldier’s race full nobly. Follow me, I will restore thy sword. The fourth act is occupied by the machinations of the Count’s enemies at Venice; and the jealous and complicated policy of that Republic, and the despotic authority of the Council of Ten, are skilfully developed in many of the scenes. The first scene of the fifth act opens at Venice in the hall of the Council of Ten. Carmagnola is consulted by the Doge on the terms of peace offered by the Duke of Milan. His advice is received with disdain, and, after various insults, he is accused of treason. His astonishment and indignation at this unexpected charge are expressed with all the warmth and simplicity of innocence. _Car._ A traitor! I!--that name of infamy Reaches not me. Let him the title bear Who best deserves such meed--it is not mine. Call me a dupe, and I may well submit, For such my part is here; yet would I not Exchange that name, for ’tis the worthiest still. A traitor!--I retrace in thought the time When for your cause I fought; ’tis all one path Strew’d o’er with flowers. Point out the day on which A traitor’s deeds were mine; the day which pass’d Unmark’d by thanks, and praise, and promises Of high reward! What more? Behold me here! And when I came to seeming honour call’d, When in my heart most deeply spoke the voice Of love, and grateful zeal, and trusting faith-- Of trusting faith!--Oh, no! Doth he who comes Th’ invited guest of friendship dream of faith? I came to be ensnared! Well! it is done, And be it so! but since deceitful hate Hath thrown at length her smiling mask aside, Praise be to heaven! an open field at least Is spread before us. Now ’tis yours to speak, Mine to defend my cause; declare ye then My treasons! _Doge._ By the secret college soon All shall be told thee. _Car._ I appeal not there. What I have done for you hath all been done In the bright noonday, and its tale shall not Be told in darkness. Of a warrior’s deeds Warriors alone should judge; and such I choose To be mine arbiters--my proud defence Shall not be made in secret. All shall hear. _Doge._ The time for choice is past. _Car._ What! Is there force Employ’d against me?--Guards! (_raising his voice._) _Doge._ They are not nigh. Soldiers! (_enter armed men._) Thy guards are these. _Car._ I am betray’d! _Doge._ ’Twas then a thought of wisdom to disperse Thy followers. Well and justly was it deem’d That the bold traitor, in his plots surprised, Might prove a rebel too. _Car._ E’en as ye list. Now be it yours to charge me.