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434 WILLIAM CONGREVE [ALT v
His hellish rage had wanted means to act,
But for thy fatal and pernicious counsel.
Set. You thought it better then—but I'm rewarded:
The mute you sent by some mischance was seen,
And forced to yield your letter with his life:
I found the dead and bloody body stripped—
My tongue falters, and my voice fails—I sink—
Drink not the poison—for Alphonso is— [Dies.
Zara. 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 died unknowing in my heart!
He knew I loved, but knew not to what height:
Nor that I meant to fall before his eyes,
A martyr and a victim to my vows:
Insensible of this last proof he's gone.
Yet fate alone can rob his mortal part
Of sense; his soul still sees, and knows each purpose,
And fixed event of my persisting faith.
Then, wherefore do I pause? give me the bowl.
[A Mute f^neels and gives one of the bowls.
Hover a moment, yet, thou gentle spirit,
Soul of my love, and I will wait thy flight!
This to our mutual bliss when joined above. [Drinks.
0 friendly draught, already in my heart!
Cold, cold! my veins are icicles and frost.
I'll creep into his bosom, lay me there;
Cover us close—or I shall chill his breast,
And fright him from my arms—See, see, he slides
Still further from me! look, he hides his face!
I cannot feel it—quite beyond my reach—
O now he's gone, and all is dark— [Dies.
[The Mutes [necl and mourn over her.
Enter ALMERIA and LEONORA.
Aim. O 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!
Aim. Show me, for I am come in search of death;
But want a guide; for tears have dimmed my sight.