all deny
For the too well-remember'd theatre
Of my long tragedy--Strike up the drums!
If this be Truth, and all of us awake,
Indeed a famous quarrel is at stake:
If but a Vision I will see it out,
And, drive the Dream, I can but join the rout.

CAPT.
And in good time, sir, for a palpable
Touchstone of truth and rightful vengeance too,
Here is Clotaldo taken.

SOLDIERS.
In with him!
In with the traitor!

(Clotaldo brought in.)

SEG.
Ay, Clotaldo, indeed--
Himself--in his old habit--his old self--
What! back again, Clotaldo, for a while
To swear me this for truth, and afterwards
All for a dreaming lie?

CLO.
Awake or dreaming,
Down with that sword, and down these traitors theirs,
Drawn in rebellion 'gainst their Sovereign.

SEG. (about to strike).
Traitor! Traitor yourself!--
But soft--soft--soft!--
You told me, not so very long ago,
Awake or dreaming--I forget--my brain
Is not so clear about it--but I know
One test you gave me to discern between,
Which mad and dreaming people cannot master;
Or if the dreamer could, so best secure
A comfortable waking--Was't not so?
(To Rosaura).
Needs not your intercession now, you see,
As in the dream before--
Clotaldo, rough old nurse and tutor too
That only traitor wert, to me if true--
Give him his sword; set him on a fresh horse;
Conduct him safely through my rebel force;
And so God speed him to his sovereign's side!
Give me your hand; and whether all awake
Or all a-dreaming, ride, Clotaldo, ride--
Dream-swift--for fear we dreams should overtake.

(A Battle may be supposed to take place; after which)

ACT IV.

SCENE I.--A wooded pass near the field of battle:

drums, trumpets, firing, etc. Cries of 'God save Basilio!
Segismund,' etc.

(Enter Fife, running.)

FIFE.
God save them both, and save them all! say I!--
Oh--what hot work!--Whichever way one turns
The whistling bullet at one's ears--I've drifted
Far from my mad young--master--whom I saw
Tossing upon the very crest of battle,
Beside the Prince--God save her first of all!
With all my heart I say and pray--and so
Commend her to His keeping--bang!--bang!--bang!
And for myself--scarce worth His thinking