Page:The robbers - a tragedy (IA robberstragedy00schiiala).pdf/63

What's the use of all this palaver?—If we have sense to comprehend it, and courage to execute it, speak it out!

Well then, hearkee! (He places himself in the middle of them, and with a solemn tone of adjuration.) If there is a drop of German blood—of the blood of heroes, in your veins—come!—let us betake ourselves to the forests of Bohemia—form a troop of robbers, and——What do you stare at? Is your little flash of courage out already?

You are not the first rogue indeed who has set the gallows at defiance—and yet—what choice is left us?

What choice?—Why, you have no choice.—Would you chuse to take up your abode in the dungeon for debtors, and spin hemp till you are bailed by the last trumpet—or would you gain your miserable morsel of bread with the spade and mattock? Would you beg an alms with a doleful tale under a window?—or would you enlist for recruits?—that's to say, if your hang-dog visages