_Treason_. Pay them well for it! _Arnold_. Leave me: I do desire to be alone. _Treason_. Without me, Arnold, thou art not alone. I am beside thee till thy dying breath: When Treason leaves, he hands thee unto Death. _Arnold_. It is not treason to preserve one's life Among wild beasts; nor treason to demand The reasonable payment of a debt; Nor treason for the savior of a land-- Listen:--There was a stripling in the town Where I was born; and this rash vigorous boy Seized by the nose a bull, that in a fright Had rushed aboard a crowded ferry-boat, And held him through his plunges till he fell, Subdued by pain. The boy for no reward, But for the devil in him, did the thing. But had he been a man, and sought reward, Had he been banged about this rocking world As I have, holding terror by the horns, Could he not ask a pittance?--Leave me, friend. I am exhausted, taking all the brunt And getting kicks for pay. Nay, leave me, Sir, The argument is over. Let me rest. [_Sits down and tries to sleep._] _Treason_. I'll watch beside thee. _Father Hudson_. Can ye not calm him somewhat in his sleep? _Leader of Men_. [_To_ Treason.] Will you not leave the man and let him rest? _Treason_. His sleep is mine. When waking let him rest. _Father Hudson_. [_To_ Treason.] This is a cruel fate ye mete him out. _Treason_. Be it your province to be merciful. _Father Hudson_. When will ye leave the man, thou empty ghost? _Treason_. When Treason in the flesh shall come to meet him. _Both Choruses_. Surely it is a good thing for a hero to die in his youth; for then is he perfect. The bark is not broken on the wand nor the neck worn by the yoke. Surely young men are better than old; and we praise them deservedly. This man, a few years since, could endure reverse; but now he is broken and worn away: his soul bows down; he cannot hold out longer. It is a good thing when a young hero dies; for so is he safe. His immortality is meted to him. O spare us a trial like this man's who is on the brink of great misfortune. _Arnold_. [_Starting up._] They have betrayed me! Who goes there? [_Enter_ Joshua Smith. _Exit_ Treason.] _Joshua Smith_. A friend! _Arnold._ His name? _Joshua Smith_. Joshua Smith. And yours? _Arnold_. Arnold, my man. Good God! you startled me. I must have slept. What news? Will Andre come?