Lift up their painful heads to bless thy name, Ion. So give instant order, The rites which shall confirm me in my throne, Agen. How! so soon, While the more sacred duties to the dead Ion. Let them abide my time They will not tarry long. I see them gaze Agen. Farewell, my lord! Ion. Now all is stillness in my breast-how soon In which no thread of consciousness shall live Gleamed palpable to sight as things of earth. [Excit.] [Enter PHOCION, who strikes at ION with a dagger.] Pho. This to the king of Argos! [ION struggles with him, siezes the dagger, which he throws away.] Ion. I will not fall by thee, poor wavering novice In the assassin's trade!-thy arm is feeble. [He confronts PHOCION.] Phocion!-Was this well aimed? thou didst not mean Pho. I meant to take thy life, urged by remembrance Of yesterday's great vow. Ion. And couldst thou think I had forgotten? Pho. Thou? Ion. Couldst thou believe That one, whose nature had been armed to stop Pho. Thus let me fall Low at thy feet, and, kneeling, here receive Ion. And that word I will not speak ;—what have I to forgive? Which taught me all I guessed of brotherhood, Pho. I can not look upon thee: let me go, Ion. Nay, old playmate, We part not thus:-the duties of my state Ex. CCXLVI.—GUILT AND INNOCENCE. [Scene.-A Cottage amongst the Bernese Alps.] MANFRED and the CHAMOIS HUNTER. BYRON. C. Hun. No, no-yet pause-thou must not yet go forth; Thy mind and body are alike unfit To trust each other, for some hours at least; Man. It imports not. I do know My route full well, and need no further guidance. C. Hun. Thy garb and gait bespeak thee of high lineage- Which step from out our mountains to their doors, C. Hun. Well, sir, pardon me the question, Man. Away, away! there's blood upon the brim ! C. Hun. Man of strange words, and some half-maddening sin, Which makes thee people vacancy, whate'er Thy dread and sufferance be, there's comfort yet— The aid of holy men, and heavenly patience Man. Patience and patience! Hence that word was made For brutes of burden, not for birds of prey; Preach it to mortals of a dust like thine, I am not of thine order. I would not be of thine, for the free fame It must be borne, and these wild starts are useless. Many long years, but they are nothing now With the fierce thirst of death-and still unslaked! C. Hun. Why, on thy brow the seal of middle age Man. Think'st thou assistance doth depend on time? Barren and cold, on which the wild waves break, Rocks, and the salt surf weeds of bitterness. C. Hun. Alas! he's mad-but yet I must not leave him. Man. I would I were for then the things I see Would be but a distempered dream. C. Hun. What is it That thou dost see, or think thou lookest upon ? And spirit patient, pious, proud, and free; Thy self-respect, grafted on innocent thoughts; It matters not-my soul was scorched already! C. Hun. And wouldst thou, then, exchange thy lot for mine? Man. No, friend! I would not wrong thee, nor exchange My lot with living being: I can bear However wretchedly, 'tis still to bear— In life what others could not brook to dream, But perish in their slumber. C. Hun. This cautious feeling for another's pain, Man. And with this, Oh! no, no! My injuries came down on those who loved me,— But my embrace was fatal. C. Hun. Heaven give thee rest! And penitence restore thee to thyself; Man. I need them not, But can endure thy pity. I depart― 'Tis time-farewell!-Here's gold, and thanks for theeNo words-it is thy due.-Follow me not I know my path-the mountain peril's past: And once again I charge thee, follow not! [Exit MANFRED.] Ex. CCXLVII-ANGER AND OBSTINACY. SHERIDAN. Capt. A. Sir Anthony, I am delighted to see you here, and looking so well! Your sudden arrival at Bath made me apprehensive for your health. Sir A. Very apprehensive, I dare say, Jack. What, you are recruiting here, hey? Capt. A. Yes, sir, I am on duty. Sir A. Well, Jack, I am glad to see you, though I did not expect it; for I was going to write to you on a little matter of business. Jack, I have been considering that I grow old and infirm, and shall probably not be with you long. Capt. A. Pardon me, sir, I never saw you look more strong and hearty; and I pray fervently that you may con tinue so. Sir A. I hope your prayers may be heard, with all my heart. Well, then, Jack, I have been considering that I am so strong and hearty, I may continue to plague you a long time. Now, Jack, I am sensible that the income of your commission, and what I have hitherto allowed you, is but a small pittance for a lad of your spirit. Capt. A. Sir, you are very good. Sir A. And it is my wish, while yet I live, to have my boy make some figure in the world. I have resolved, therefore, to fix you at once in a noble independence. Cap. A. Sir, your kindness overpowers me. Yet, sir, I. presume you would not wish me to quit the army ? Sir A. Oh! that shall be as your wife chooses. Capt. A. My wife, sir! Sir A. Ay, ay, settle that between you; settle that between you. |