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SCENE ii] THE MOURNING BRIDE 413
But sink each other, deeper yet, down, down,
Where levelled low, no more we'll lift our eyes,
But prone, and dumb, rot the firm face of earth
With rivers of incessant scalding rain.
SCENE II
The Same
OSMYN and ALMERIA discovered. Enter ZARA, PEREZ,
and SELIM.
Zara. Somewhat of weight to me requires his freedom.
Dare you dispute the king's command? Behold
The royal signet.
Per. I obey; yet beg
Your majesty one moment to defer
Your entering till the princess is returned
From visiting the noble prisoner.
Zara. Ha!
What say'st thou?
Osm. We are lost! undone! discovered!
Retire, my life, with speed.—Alas, we're seen!
Speak of compassion, let her hear you speak
Of interceding for me with the king!
Say somewhat quickly to conceal our loves,
If possible—
Aim. I cannot speak.
Osm. Let me
Conduct you forth, as not perceiving her,
But till she's gone, then bless me thus again.
Zara. Trembling and weeping as he leads her forth!
Confusion in his face, and grief in hers!
'Tis plain I've been abused—Death and destruction!
How shall I search into this mystery?
The bluest blast of pestilential air
Strike, damp, deaden her charms, and kill his eyes!
Perdition catch 'em both, and ruin part 'em!
Osm. [Aloud to ALMERIA as she goes out.] This charity
to one unknown, and thus
Distressed, Heaven will repay; all thanks are poor.
[Exit ALMERIA.