No More Learning

I must gain time. So that the storm-bell sound,[ex][447]
All may be well yet. Kinsman, speed--speed--speed! --
Our fate is trembling in the balance, and
Woe to the vanquished! be they Prince and people,
Or slaves and Senate--
[_The great bell of St. Mark's tolls. _
Lo! it sounds--it tolls!

_Doge_ (_aloud_).
Hark, Signor of the Night! and you, ye hirelings,
Who wield your mercenary staves in fear,
It is your knell. --Swell on, thou lusty peal!
Now, knaves, what ransom for your lives?

_Sig_. Confusion!
Stand to your arms, and guard the door--all's lost 230
Unless that fearful bell be silenced soon.
The officer hath missed his path or purpose,
Or met some unforeseen and hideous obstacle,[ey]
Anselmo, with thy company proceed
Straight to the tower; the rest remain with me.
[_Exit part of the Guard. _

_Doge_. Wretch! if thou wouldst have thy vile life, implore it;
It is not now a lease of sixty seconds.
Aye, send thy miserable ruffians forth;
They never shall return.

_Sig_. So let it be!
They die then in their duty, as will I. 240

_Doge_. Fool! the high eagle flies at nobler game
Than thou and thy base myrmidons,--live on,
So thou provok'st not peril by resistance,
And learn (if souls so much obscured can bear
To gaze upon the sunbeams) to be free.

_Sig_. And learn thou to be captive. It hath ceased,
[_The bell ceases to toll_.