John Dryden

“ Then I, who saved the king, the nation saved.
You, aiding her, your country did betray:
I, aiding him, did her commands obey.
Odm. Name it no more; in love there is a time
When dull obedience is the greatest crime. ”

“ The rape of matrons, and their children's cries,—
Then I am fearful, let the brave advise.
Odm. Keen cutting swords, and engines killing far,
Have prosperously begun a doubtful war:
But now our foes with less advantage fight,
Their strength decreases with our Indians' fright
Mont. This noble vote does with my wish comply,
I am for war.
Alm. And so am I.
Orb. And I.
Mont. Then send to break the truce, and I'll take care
To cheer the soldiers, and for fight prepare. ”

“ Besides, the truce will make the guards more slack.
Orb. Courage, which leads me on, will bring me back.—
But I more fear the baseness of the thing:
Remorse, you know, bears a perpetual sting.
Alm. For mean remorse no room the valiant
finds, Repentance is the virtue of weak minds;
For want of judgment keeps them doubtful still,
They may repent of good, who can of ill;
But daring courage makes ill actions good,
'Tis foolish pity spares a rival's blood ”