Читать книгу Tamburlaine the Great - Part 2 онлайн

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We are not bound to those accomplishments

The holy laws of Christendom enjoin;

But, as the faith which they profanely plight

Is not by necessary policy

To be esteem'd assurance for ourselves,

So that we vow 65 to them should not infringe

Our liberty of arms and victory.

SIGISMUND. Though I confess the oaths they undertake

Breed little strength to our security,

Yet those infirmities that thus defame

Their faiths, 66 their honours, and religion, 67 Should not give us presumption to the like.

Our faiths are sound, and must be consummate, 68 Religious, righteous, and inviolate.

FREDERICK. Assure your grace, 'tis superstition

To stand so strictly on dispensive faith;

And, should we lose the opportunity

That God hath given to venge our Christians' death,

And scourge their foul blasphemous paganism,

As fell to Saul, to Balaam, and the rest,

That would not kill and curse at God's command,

So surely will the vengeance of the Highest,

And jealous anger of his fearful arm,