Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/154

Of high ennobled soul, by nature form'd
A hero and commander, who will, yet,
In his untrophied grave forgotten lie
With meaner men? I dare be sworn there does.

Fred. What need of words? I crave of thee no favour.
I have offended against armed law,
And shrink not from my doom.

Bas. I know thee well, I know thou fear'st not death;
On scaffold or in field with dauntless breast
Thou wilt engage him: and if thy proud soul,
In sullen obstinacy scorns all grace
E'en be it so. But if with manly gratitude
Thou truly canst receive a brave man's pardon,
Thou hast it freely.

Fred. It must not be. I've been thine enemy—
I've been unjust to thee—

Bas.I know thou hast;
But thou art brave, and I forgive thee all.

Fred. My lord! my gen'ral! Oh! I cannot speak!
I cannot live and be the wretch I am!

Bas. But thou canst live, and be an honest man
From errour turn'd,—canst live and be my friend.
(Raising Fred. from the ground.)
Forbear, forbear! see where our friends advance,
They must not think thee suing tor a pardon;
That would disgrace us both. Yet, ere they come,
Tell me, if that thou may'st with honour tell,
What did seduce thee from thy loyal faith?