Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/171

Rh

of an enemy, or protect an execution, it is the same thing to me.

Ost. An execution! can aught of this nature be intended?

Wov. You turn pale, Sir: wearing the garb of a soldier, you have surely seen blood ere now.

Ost. I have seen too much blood.

Enter Prior,, and Monks, walking in order; the Prior holding a paper in his hand.

Prior (with solemnity.) Count Osterloo, Lieutenant-General of our liege Lord the Emperor, authorized by this deed, which is subscribed by all the brethren of our Holy Order here present, I pronounce to you our solemn decision, that the crime of murder, as, by the mysterious voice of Heaven, and your own confession, your crime is proved to be, can only be expiated by death: you are therefore warned to prepare yourself to die this night. Before day-break you must be with the inhabitants of another world, where may the great Maker of us all deal with you in mercy!

Prior. It is a sentence, Count, pronounced against you from necessity, to save the lives of our whole community, which you yourself have promised to submit to; have you any thing to say in reply to it?