A Sequel to Don Juan — page 219: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

210 | A SEQUEL TO XV. ‘“* Damsel, my duties in this troubled time Conciliate but few—for few can know The difference between justice and crime, When the regenerators strike a blow. ‘Tis to raise France up to a height sublime That on the scaffold tides of blood must flow ; And with a baptism of red gore do we Thus consecrate the shrine of Liberty ! XVI. ‘“ Think’st thou it is to gratify a lust Of blood that hundreds are sent forth to die ? No—’tis th’ unequal balance to adjust Between the people’s rights and tyranny !— My name, when I am mouldering in the dust, Will win the praises of posterity : But, damsel, ages still must pass away Ere men view rightly what is done to-day. X VII. ‘‘ This principle of justice we proclaim— The few should fall to benefit the mass ; And they who still adhere unto the name Of Monarchy must to the scaffold pass. Old steel ’s re-polished by ordeals of flame— And blood must purify the despot class | Whose tyranny, like an avenging brand, Has scattered desolation o’er the land.’’* * Tt is asserted by many French writers that Robespierre (one of the “ regenerators”” alluded to in the text) was in reality of & merciful and humane disposition, correct in COPMICLIOO KS. CONN