"To grate the sense, when enter'd here, from groans "And howls of slaves condemn'd; from clink of chains, "And crash of rusty bars and creeking hinges : "And ever and anon the sight was dash'd “With frightful faces, and the meagre looks "Of grim and ghastly executioners. "Yet more this stillness terrifies my soul, "Than did that scene of complicated horrors. " It may be that the cause of this my errand "And purpose, being changed from life to death, "Had also wrought this chilling change-of temper. "Or does my heart bode more? What can it more "Than death?" Let 'em set down the bowls, and warn Alphonso That I am here-so. You return and find [Mutes going in. The king; tell him, what he requir'd, I've done, Enter Mutes. [Exit Selim. Zar. What have you seen? Ha! wherefore stare you thus [The mutes return and look affrighted. With haggard eyes? Why are your arms across ? Your heavy and desponding heads hung down? Why is't you more than speak in these sad signs? Give me more ample knowledge of this mourning. [They go to the scene, which opening, she perceives the body. Ha! prostrate! bloody! headless! Oh-I'm lost. Enter SELIM. Sel. I've sought in vain, for no where can the king Be found Zar. Get thee to hell, and seek him there. His hellish rage had wanted means to act, [Stabs him. Sel. You thought it better then-but I'm rewarded. The mute you sent, by some mischance was seen, And forc❜d to yield your letter with his life; I found the dead and bloody body stripp'dMy tongue faulters, and my voice fails-I sinkDrink not the poison-for Alphonso is [Dies. Zar. As thou art now-and I shall quickly be. 'Tis not that he is dead for 'twas decreed We both should die. Nor is't that I survive ; I have a certain remedy for that. But, Oh, he dy'd unknowing in my heart. He knew I lov'd, but knew not to what height: "Yet fate alone can rob his mortal part "Of sense? his soul still sees and knows each purpose, "And fix'd event, of my persisting faith." Then wherefore do I pause? Give me the bowl. [A mute kneels and gives one of the bowls. Hover a moment, yet, thou gentle spirit, Soul of my love, and I will wait thy flight. Oh, now he's gone, and all is dark [Dies. [The mutes kneel and mourn over her. Enter ALMERIA and LEONORA. Alm. Oh, let me seek him in this horrid cell; For in the tomb, or prison, I alone Must hope to find him. Leon. Heavens! what dismal scene Of death is this? The eunuch Selim slain ! Alm. Shew me, for I am come in search of death; But want a guide; for tears have dimm'd my sight. Leon. Alas, a little farther, and behold Zara all pale and dead! two frightful men, Who seem the murderers, kneel weeping by; Feeling remorse too late for what they've done. But, Oh, forbear-lift up your eyes no more ; Return, and look not on; for there's a dagger Alm. Oh, I foreknow, foresee that object. "What, dead at last? quite, quite, for ever dead? "There, there, I see him; there he lies, the blood "Yet bubbling from his wounds—Oh, more than sa vage! "Had they or hearts or eyes that did this deed? "Could eyes endure to guide such cruel hands? "Are not my eyes guilty alike with theirs, "That thus can gaze, and yet not turn to stone? -I do not weep! The springs of tears are dry'd; And of a sudden I am calm, as if All things were well; and yet my husband's murder'd! Yes, yes, I know to mourn! I'll sluice this heart, The source of woe, and let the torrent loose. -Those men have left to weep! they look on me! I hope they murder all on whom they look. I am the sacrifice design'd to bleed, And come prepar'd to yield my throat They shake Their heads in sign of grief and innocence! [They point at the bowl on the ground. And point! What mean they? Ha! a cup; Oh, well, I understand what med'cine has been here. Oh, noble thirst! yet greedy to drink all- mean they? "What [They point at the other cup. "Ha! point again!” 'tis there, and full, I hope. Thanks to the lib'ral hand that fill'd thee thus, I'll drink my glad acknowledgment Leon. Oh, hold For mercy's sake, upon my knee I beg Alm. With thee the kneeling world should beg in vain. Seest thou not there? Behold who prostrate lies, From his pale lips; I'll kiss him ere I drink, [Coming near the body, starts and lets fall the cup. But spouting veins, and mangled flesh! Oh, Oh! Enter ALPHONSO, HELI, PEREZ, with GARCIA prisoner. Guards and attendants. Alph. Away, stand off, where is she? let me fly, Save her from death, and snatch her to my heart. Alm. Oh! Alph. Forbear; my arms alone shall hold her up, Warm her to life, and wake her into gladness. "Oh, let me talk to thy reviving sense "The words of joy and peace; warm thy cold beauties |