p. 59

Ram. While he rules, ’tis ours. What chariot-wheels are thundering o’er the bridge?

Osma. Roderigo’s—I well know them.

Ram. Now, the burst Of acclamation! now! again—again.

Osma. I know the voices; they are for Roderigo.

Ram. Stay, I entreat thee—one hath now prevailed. So far is certain.

Osma. Aye, the right prevails.

Ram. Transient and vain their joyance, who rejoice Precipitately and intemperately, And bitter thoughts grow up where’er it fell.

Osma. Nor vain and transient theirs, who idly float Down popularity’s unfertile stream And fancy all their own that rises round?

Ram. If thou still lovest, as I know thou dost, Thy king—

[Osma interrupting.

p. 60Osma. I love him; for he owes me much Brave soul, and cannot, though he would, repay. Service and faith, pure faith and service hard, Throughout his reign, if these things be desert, These have I borne toward him, and still bear.

p. 60

Ram. Come, from thy solitary eiry come, And share the prey so plenteous and profuse Which a less valourous brood will else consume. Much fruit is shaken down in civil storms, And shall not orderly and loyal hands Gather it up? Again! [loud shouts] and still refuse? How different are those citizens without From thee! from thy serenity! thy arch, Thy firmament, of intrepidity! For their new lord, whom they have never served, Afraid were they to shout, and only struck The pavement with their ferrels and their feet; Now they are certain of the great event Voices and hands they raise, and all contend p. 61Who shall be bravest in applauding most. Knowest thou these?

p. 61

Osma. Their voices I know well— And can they shout for him they would have slain? A prince untried they welcome; soon their doubts Are blown afar!

Ram. Yes, brighter scenes 

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