Racine: Phaedra

LIFE A DREAM 25^
Second Soldier.— That the tower I
First Soldier.—That mouse-trap! We could pitch it down
the rocks
With our own hands.
Second Soldier.— The rocks it hangs among
Dwarf its proportions and conceal its strength
Larger and stronger than you think.
First Soldier.— No matter;
No place for Poland's Prince to be shut up in.
At it at once
Captain.—No—no— I tell you wait
Till those within give signal. For as yet
We know not who side with us, and the fort
Is strong in man and musket.
A Soldier.— Shame to wait
For odds with such a cause at stake.
Captain.— Because
Of such a cause at stake we wait for odds
For if not won at once, for ever lost:
For any long resistance on their part
Would bring Basilio's force to succor them
Ere we had rescued him we come to rescue.
So softly, softly, softly, still
A Soldier [discovering Fife].—Hilloa!
First Soldier.—Hilloa ! Here's some one skulking
Second Soldier.— Seize and gag him!
Third Soldier.—Stab him at once, say I : the only way
To make all sure.
Fourth Soldier.— Hold, every man of you
And down upon your knees !—Why, 'tis the Prince
First Soldier.—The Prince!
Fourth Soldier.— Oh, I should know him anywhere,
And anyhow disguised.
First Soldier.— But the Prince is chain'd.
Second Soldier.—And of a loftier presence
Fourth Soldier.— 'Tis he, I tell you
Only bewilder'd as he was before.
On our knees
God save your Royal Highness !
Beseech you answer us
Fife.— Just as you please.
Classics. Vol. 36 1>