Sebastian. What? I have seen thee shrink
As a murderer from the eye of light before me.
I have earned (how dearly and how bitterly
It matters not, but I have earned at last)
Deep knowledge, fearful wisdom. Now, begone!
Hence to thy guests, and fear not, though arraigned
E'en of Sebastian's friendship. Make his scorn
(For he will scorn thee, as a crouching slave
By all high hearts is scorned,) thy right, thy charter
Unto vile safety. Let the secret voice
Whose low upbraidings will not sleep within thee,
Be as a sign, a token of thy claim
To all such guerdons as are showered on traitors,
When noble men are crushed. And fear thou not.
'Tis but the kingly cedar which the storm
Hurls from his mountain throne; th' ignoble shrub,
Grovelling beneath, may live.
Sylveira. It is thy part
To tremble for thy life.
Sebastian. They that have looked
Upon a heart like thine, should know too well
The worth of life, to tremble. Such things make
Brave men and reckless. Aye—and they, whom fate
Would trample, should be thus. It is enough.
Thou may'st depart.
Sylveira. And thou, if thou dost prize
Thy safety, speed thee hence.Exit Sylveira.
Sebastian (alone.) And this is he
Who was as mine own soul: whose image rose
Shadowing my dreams of glory with the thought,
