and he then addresses Auberto in behalf of Arrigo, who stands bound on one side, offering life to the son on condition of the father’s obedience. We will translate the remainder of the act. _Enzo_ (_to Auberto_.) A last and brief delay I now accord to thee; but ere the bell Sounds its first stroke to tell the coming hour, Pronounce his life or death, (_to executioner_) At the first stroke, Mark me, his head must fall! _Auberto_. Enzo, a duty Inviolable as the icy grave, Binds me this fortress to maintain, until The standard of Milan shall join our troops. For that which is not granted to my will, Oh! punish not the innocent! These prayers Are poured, ah, not in coward fear! And wherefore {777} To deeds of useless cruelty descend? What may avail his slaughter? In all breasts An hundred fold will wrath be wrought against thee. Thou rendest Eloisa’s heart—bethink thee, She is thy sister! From thy noble father, From Leoniero, at his hour of death, Thus stained with fratricide, thou wilt in vain Implore his blessing for thyself, thy children. _Arrigo_. Cease, father, cease! Thy sorrow may infect The heroes round thee; they have need of strength. _Auberto_. Alas, I am a father! Since my duty I do not violate, these tears are lawful. If thou inexorable dost demand A victim, give, O give back to his children Arrigo—take _my_ head! _Arrigo_. No—never! _Auberto_. Enzo! _Enzo_. Immutable my sentence: wo if thou Thus hear’st the next hour sound! He falls—his fall The signal for the assault.—Ha! in such haste Uggero! _Uggero_. My lord, your father hath besought me With words of agony that would have moved Yourself!—Within the tower, near to Arrigo He was, with Eloisa, when thy order Summoned the guilty hither. Fear unspeakable Seized Leoniero; to the battlements He mounted; thence beheld the axe that menaced The generous youth. His daughter’s shrieks subdued The old man’s heart: He wept, and trembling cried “Hence, hence, unto my son—crave his permission That I speak to Auberto; I alone Somewhat can proffer, shall secure the safety Of all.” _Enzo_. What would he say? Can he prevail On the besieged to yield? What fear I?—He Vanquished by terror; dare I thus believe? Let him approach—and be a guard about him; Tremble, if to the people he escape, (_to the Count_) Is it not noble victory, to my power E’en he should bend his pride? But whence the tumult In yonder castle? (_soldiers on the walls drag forward Enzo’s hostages_) _Soldiers_. Death—death! _Hostages_. To thy presence, Enzo, by hostile fury we are dragged. _Auberto_. Since vain my prayer has been for a son’s life, Enzo, behold thy friends! _Soldiers_. Life, liberty Give to the Tribune, or your hostages We slay!