what means this
mystery?
Byron
[_The Doge discovers himself_.
_Consp_. To arms! --we are betrayed--it is the Doge! 90
Down with them both! our traitorous captain, and
The tyrant he hath sold us to.
_Cal_. (_drawing his sword_). Hold! hold!
Who moves a step against them dies. Hold! hear
Bertuccio--What! are you appalled to see
A lone, unguarded, weaponless old man
Amongst you? --Israel, speak!
what means this mystery?
_I. Ber_. Let them advance and strike at their own bosoms,
Ungrateful suicides! for on our lives
Depend their own, their fortunes, and their hopes.
_Doge_. Strike! --If I dreaded death, a death more fearful 100
Than any your rash weapons can inflict,
I should not now be here: Oh, noble Courage!
The eldest born of Fear, which makes you brave
Against this solitary hoary head!
See the bold chiefs, who would reform a state
And shake down senates, mad with wrath and dread
At sight of one patrician! Butcher me!
You can, I care not. --Israel, are these men
The mighty hearts you spoke of? look upon them!
_Cal_. Faith!
