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The Poetical Works of S. T. Coleridge (2)
The Poetical Works of S T Coleridge - 2 Author:Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume: 2 General Books publication date: 2009 Original publication date: 1834 Original Publisher: W. Pickering Notes: This is a black and white OCR reprint of the original. It has no illustrations and there may be typos or missing text. When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where... more » you can select from more than a million books for free. Excerpt: 182 THE PICCOLOMINI ; OR, THE Oct. Is that your last resolve ? But. It is. Oct. Nay, but bethink you, Colonel Butler ! As yet you have time. Within my faithful breast That rashly uttered word remains interred. Recall it, Butler ! choose a better party : You have not chosen the right one. But. (going.) Any other Commands for me, Lieutenant-general ? Oct. See your white hairs ! Recall that word ! But. Farewell! Oct. What would you draw this good and gallant sword In such a cause ? Into a curse would you Transform the gratitude which you have earned By forty years' fidelity from Austria ? But. (laughing with bitterness.) Gratitude from the House of Austria. [he is going. Oct. (permits him to go as far as the door, then calls after him.) Butler ! But. What wish you ? Oct. How was't with the Count ? But. Count? what? Oct. The title that you wished I mean. But. (starts in sudden passion.) Hell and damnation ! Oct. You petitioned for it -- And your petition was repelled -- Was it so ? But. Your insolent scoff shall not go by unpunished. Draw! Oct. Nay ! your sword tq 'ts sheath! and tell me calmly, How all that happened. I will not refuse you Your satisfaction afterwards. -- Calmly, Butler ! But. Be the whole world acquainted with the weakness For which I never can forgive myself. Lieutenant-general! Yes -- I have ambition. Ne'er was I able to endure contempt. It stung me to the quick, that birth and title Should have more weight than merit has in the army. I would fain not be meaner than my equal, So in an evil hour I let ...« less