Prevent this waste of nature—I'll go forth

And to my people show their rightful king.

Eup. Banish that thought; forbear; the rash attempt

Were fatal to our hopes; oppress'd, dismay'd,

The people look aghast, and, wan with fear,

None dare espouse your cause.

Eva. Yes, all will dare

To act like men;—their king, I gave myself

To a whole people. I made no reserve;

My life was theirs; each drop about my heart

Pledg'd to the public cause; devoted to it;

That was my compact; is the subjects' less?

If they are all debas'd, and willing slaves,

The young but breathing to grow grey in bondage,

And the old sinking to ignoble graves,

Of such a race no matter who is king.

And yet I will not think it; no! my people

Are brave and gen'rous; I will trust their valour.

Eup. Yet stay; yet be advis'd.

Phil. As yet, my liege,

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