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52
Läsebok. N:o 62.
Manny. After a short pause, »St. Pierre* resumed his
discourse. »It were base and unmanly in me to propose any
injury to others, of which I am unwilling to partake; but
being desirous of yielding the first place of honour to any
citizen whose worth and patriotism should induce him to
claim it, I delayed offering myself upon this occasion. I give
my life freely, 1 give it cheerfully. Who comes next?»
»Your son», replied a youth not yet come to maturity. »Ah,
my child!» exclaimed St. Pierre, »I shall then die twice; but
no, 1 will rather consider thee as born a second time. Thy
years are few, but thou art fully my son. Who next? my
friends, this is the hour of heroes». »Your kinsman», cried
John de Aire». »Your kinsman», cried James Wissant. »Your
kinsman», cried Peter Wissant.
Prince Eclward. Why was not I a citizen of Calais!
Manny. A sixth was still wanting; but there were so
many claimants for this distinction, that I was obliged to
have recourse to lots. The scene of parting from wives and
children that followed, was too affecting for description: the
air resounded with lamentations.
Their fellow-citizens clung about St. Pierre, and the rest
of their deliverers. They fell prostrate before them; they
groaned, the weptaloud; and the joint clamour of their
mourning passed the gates of the city, aud was heard through the
camp. At length, they embraced for the last time, and took
an eternal farewell of each other. They resigned themselves to
my guidance, and 1 have conducted them hither, through
the universal acclamations of the soldiers, who cannot refuse
the tribute of praise to such heroic virtue, even in enemies.
Prince Eduard. They deserve reward instead of
punishment, my noble father! Extend your royal mercy: save
these heroes; your clemency will gain you more true honour
than all your victories.
King Edward. My son, the tenderness of your
disposition leads you into a weakness. Experience has ever shown,
that lenity only serves to invite people to new crimes.
Severity, at times, is indispensably necessary, to deter subjects
into submission by punishment and example. Go, lead these
men to execution. (To St. Pierre.) Your rebellion against
me, the natural heir of the crown, is highly aggravated by
your present presumption and affront of my power.
St. Pierre. We have nothing to ask of your Majesty,
but what you cannot refuse us.
King Edward. What may that be?
St. Pierre. Your respect and esteem.
[Exeunt. A shout heard in the camp.]
* St. Pierre (= sängpjär) franskt namn.
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