_ When we paid those that were to fight with
them,
We then believed ourselves to have purchased them.
_2d Com._ My lord, Venice confides in you; in you
She sees a son; and all that to her good
And to her glory can redound, expects
Shall be done by you.
_Count._ Everything I can.
_2d Com._ And what can you not do upon this field?
_Count._ The thing you ask. An ancient use, a use
Dear to the soldier, I can not violate.
_2d Com._ You, whom no one resists, on whom so
promptly
Every will follows, so that none can say,
Whether for love or fear it yield itself;
You, in this camp, you are not able, you,
To make a law, and to enforce it?
_Count._ I said
I could not; now I rather say, I _will_ not!
No further words; with friends this hath been ever
My ancient custom; satisfy at once
And gladly all just prayers, and for all other
Refuse them openly and promptly. Soldier!
_Com._ Nay--what is your purpose?
_Count._ You will see anon.
[_To a soldier who enters_
How many prisoners still remain?
_Soldier._ I think,
My lord, four hundred.
_Count._ Call them hither--call
The bravest of them--those you meet the first;
Send them here quickly.
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