[BOURBON, ARNOLD, CAESAR, _and others, arrive at the foot
of the wall_. ARNOLD _is about to plant his ladder_.

_Bourb._ Hold, Arnold! I am first.

_Arn._ Not so, my Lord.

_Bourb._ Hold, sir, I charge you! Follow! I am proud
Of such a follower, but will brook no leader.
[BOURBON _plants his ladder, and begins to mount_.
Now, boys! On! on!
[_A shot strikes him, and_ BOURBON _falls_.

_Caes._ And off!

_Arn._ Eternal powers!
The host will be appalled,--but vengeance! vengeance!

_Bourb._ 'Tis nothing--lend me your hand.

[BOURBON _takes_ ARNOLD _by the hand, and rises; but
as he puts his foot on the step, falls again_.

Arnold! I am sped.
Conceal my fall[241]--all will go well--conceal it!
Fling my cloak o'er what will be dust anon; 130
Let not the soldiers see it.

_Arn._ You must be
Removed; the aid of----

_Bourb._ No, my gallant boy!
Death is upon me. But what is _one_ life?
The Bourbon's spirit shall command them still.
Keep them yet ignorant that I am but clay,
Till they are conquerors--then do as you may.

_Caes._ Would not your Highness choose to kiss the cross?
We have no priest here, but the hilt of sword
May serve instead:--it did the same for Bayard[242].

_Bourb._ Thou bitter slave! to name _him_ at this time! 140
But I deserve it.

_Arn._ (_to_ CAESAR). Villain, hold your peace!

_Caes._ What, when a Christian dies? Shall I not offer
A Christian "Vade in pace[243]?"

_Arn._ Silence! Oh!
Those eyes are glazing which o'erlooked the world,
And saw no equal.

_Bourb._ Arnold, shouldst thou see
France----But hark! hark! the assault grows warmer--Oh!
For but an hour, a minute more of life,
To die within the wall! Hence, Arnold, hence!
You lose time--they will conquer Rome without thee.

_Arn._ And without _thee_.

_Bourb._ Not so; I'll lead them still 150
In spirit. Cover up my dust, and breathe not
That I have ceased to breathe. Away! and be
Victorious.

_Arn._