The works of John Dryden, $c now first collected in eighteen volumes. $p Volume 07 by John Dryden
page 38 of 564 (06%)
page 38 of 564 (06%)
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_A Devil rises._ _Mal._ What counsel does the fate of Guise require? _Dev._ Remember, with his prince there's no delay. But, the sword drawn, to fling the sheath away; Let not the fear of hell his spirit grieve, The tomb is still, whatever fools believe: Laugh at the tales which withered sages bring, Proverbs and morals; let the waxen king, That rules the hive, be born without a sting; Let Guise by blood resolve to mount to power. And he is great as Mecca's emperor. He comes; bid him not stand on altar-vows, But then strike deepest, when he lowest bows; Tell him, fate's awed when an usurper springs, And joins to crowd out just indulgent kings. [_Vanishes._ SCENE III. _Enter the Duke of_ GUISE, _and Duke of_ MAYENNE. _May._ All offices and dignities he gives To your profest and most inveterate foes; But if he were inclined, as we could wish him, There is a lady-regent at his ear, That never pardons. |
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