SCENE VII.
The dark Cavern, into which steps lead—
on one side a rough monument, on which is this inscription,
“SACRED TO A MURDERED FATHER;”
on the other, the following, “TO A LOST WIFE
AND CHILD,” a lamp and his sword, &c. fixed on
the scraggy fragment of a rock near the first
monument.
Maon despondently descends the steps, gazes on
the first monument, from which he snatches his
sword, and seems wildly resolved on revenge; but
turning towards the other bursts into tears, and
throwing his sword from him, falls in anguish on
the earth.—Kildare timidly enters, and approaching
Maon, he starts up wildly, snatches his sword,
and places himself in an attitude of defence—Kildare
kneels, and attempts to sooth him—Maon, franticly,
dashes him to the earth; and Kildare, in vain, endeavours
to make him understand his errand, till, in their
struggle, discovering his wife's bracelet, Maon
awakes from his delirium, recognizes it, and with
joy faints in Kildare's arms—at length recovers, embraces,
thanks him, and snatching up his sword and
shield (Kildare leading the way) they quit the cavern.
