See thou hast enemies, Else will the world think very little of thee; It is its test of power; yet see thou show’st A smiling mask of friendship to all men, Until thou hast them safely in thy grip, Then thou canst crush them.

Guido [aside]

Guido

O wise philosopher! That for thyself dost dig so deep a grave.

Moranzone [to him]

Moranzone

Dost thou mark his words?

Guido

Guido

Oh, be thou sure I do.

Duke

Duke

And be not over-scrupulous; clean hands With nothing in them make a sorry show. If you would have the lion’s share of life You must wear the fox’s skin. Oh, it will fit you; It is a coat which fitteth every man.

Guido

Guido

Your Grace, I shall remember.

Duke

Duke

That is well, boy, well. I would not have about me shallow fools, Who with mean scruples weigh the gold of life, And faltering, paltering, end by failure; failure, The only crime which I have not committed: I would have men about me. As for conscience, Conscience is but the name which cowardice Fleeing from battle scrawls upon its shield. You understand me, boy?

Guido

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