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436 WILLIAM CONGREVE [ACT v
Seest thou not there? behold who prostrate lies,
And pleads against thee? who shall then prevail?
Yet I will take a cold and parting leave,
From his pale lips; I'll kiss him, ere I drink,
Lest the rank juice should blister on my mouth,
And stain the colour of my last adieu.
Horror! a headless trunk! nor lips nor face,
[Coming nearer the body, starts and lets jail the cup.
But spouting veins, and mangled flesh! Oh, oh!
Enter ALPHDNSO, 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.
Aim. Oh!
Alph. Forbear; my arms alone shall hold her up,
Warm her to life, and wake her into gladness.
0 let me talk to thy reviving sense,
The words of joy and peace! warm thy cold beauties,
With the new-flushing ardour of my cheek!
Into thy lips pour the soft trickling balm
Df cordial sighs! and re-inspire thy bosom
With the breath of love! Shine, awake, Almeria!
Give a new birth to thy long-shaded eyes,
Then double on the day reflected light!
Aim. Where am I? Heaven! what does this dream intend?
Alph. D mayst thou never dream of less delight,
Nor ever wake to less substantial joys!
Aim. Given me again from death! O all ye powers
Confirm this miracle! Can I believe
My sight, against my sight? and shall I trust
That sense, which in one instant shows him dead
And living? Yes, I will; I've been abused
With apparitions and affrighting phantoms:
This is my lord, my life, my only husband:
1 have him now, and we no more will part.
My father too shall have compassion—-
Alph. D my heart's comfort! 'tis not given to this
Frail life, to be entirely blessed. Even now,
In this extremest joy my soul can taste,
Yet am I dashed to think that thuu must weep;
Thy father fell, where he designed my death.