No More Learning

_Jos. _ He was not once; but time and troubles have
Made him what you beheld.

_Gab. _ I'm sorry for it.
Suspicion is a heavy armour, and
With its own weight impedes more than protects.
Good night! I trust to meet with him at day-break.
[_Exit_ GABOR.

_Re-enter_ IDENSTEIN _and some Peasants_.
JOSEPHINE _retires up the Hall_.

_First Peasant_. But if I'm drowned?

_Iden. _ Why, you will be well paid for 't,
And have risked more than drowning for as much,
I doubt not.

_Second Peasant_.
But our wives and families?

_Iden. _ Cannot be worse off than they are, and may 670
Be better.

_Third Peasant_. I have neither, and will venture.

_Iden. _ That's right. A gallant carle, and fit to be
A soldier. I'll promote you to the ranks
In the Prince's body-guard--if you succeed:
And you shall have besides, in sparkling coin,
Two thalers.

_Third Peasant_. No more!

_Iden. _ Out upon your avarice!
Can that low vice alloy so much ambition?
I tell thee, fellow, that two thalers in
Small change will subdivide into a treasure.
Do not five hundred thousand heroes daily 680
Risk lives and souls for the tithe of one thaler?