Gon. They shout again! Whate'er he means to do, 'Twere fit the soldiers were amused with hopes; And in the meantime fed with expectation To see the king in person at their head. Gon. What hast thou done, Alonzo? As but an hour ago I'd not have done, Though for the crown of universal empire. [Exit. Such a deed But what are kings reduced to common clay? Disposed it, muffled in the mute's attire, Which may be still mistaken by the guards They chance to find it. Gon. 'Twas an act of horror; And of a piece with this day's dire misdeeds. But 'tis no time to ponder or repent. Haste thee, Alonzo, haste thee hence with speed, [Exeunt. SCENE III. The same. Enter ZARA, followed by SELIM, and two Mutes bearing bowls. Zara. Silence and solitude are everywhere! Through all the gloomy ways and iron doors That hither lead, nor human face nor voice To grate the sense, when entered here; from groans The Mutes return, and look affrighted. [find Zara. What have you seen? Ha! wherefore stare you thus With haggard eyes? why are your arms a-cross? Cruel, cruel, O more than killing object! Re-enter SELIM. Sel. I've sought in vain, for nowhere can the king Be found. Con. II Zara. Get thee to hell, and seek him there! His hellish rage had wanted means to act, But for thy fatal and pernicious counsel. [Stabs him. Sel. 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 strippedMy tongue falters, and my voice fails-I sinkDrink not the poison-for Alphonso is 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: [Dies. Of sense; his soul still sees, and knows each pur pose, And fixed 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, I cannot feel it quite beyond my reach--- [Drinks, [Dies. [The Mutes kneel and mourn over her. Enter ALMERIA and LEONORA, Alm. 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 ! Alm. Show me, for I am come in search of death ; But want a guide; for tears have dimmed 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 O forbear-lift up your eyes no more; But haste away, fly from this fatal place! Where miseries are multiplied; return, Return! and not look on; for there's a dagger Ready to stab the sight, and make your eyes Rain blood. Alm. Oh I foreknow, foresee that object. What, dead at last! quite, quite, for ever dead! All things were well: and yet my husband's murdered! I am the sacrifice designed to bleed; And come prepared to yield my throat-they shake O well [The Mutes point to the bowl on the ground. And point what mean they? Ha! a cup. I understand what medicine has been here. O noble thirst! yet greedy to drink all— Oh for another draught of death.-What mean they? [The Mutes point to the other cup. Ha! point again? 'tis there, and full, I hope. Thanks to the liberal hand that filled thee thus; Leon. O 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, And pleads against thee? who shall then prevail? From his pale lips; I'll kiss him, ere I drink, [Coming nearer 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. O let me talk to thy reviving sense, The words of joy and peace! warm thy cold beauties, Into thy lips pour the soft trickling balm Of cordial sighs! and re-inspire thy bosom |