 | Manuel |  |
SCENE III.
“A Cave on the Banks of the Guadalquivir; the River seen by a pale Dawn through an Arch in the Background; Almorad standing with a Torch at the Entrance; a Boat coming down the Stream.“Alm.
They come! I hear the dashing of their oars.
“It hath that ominous sound the listener's heart
“Beats heavy time to.
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“Obscure, portentous, such as, without voice,
“Tells, not unheard, its true and terrible tale
“To the soul of man within him—if this be
“Be hush'd, thou fearful spirit of the place,
“To our blind and stifled murmurs—Rocks, reply not!
“For it is done, and in your cavern tomb
“The secret sleeps for ever.
“(The Boat arrives—the Assassins debark.)
“Alm.
Have ye sped?
“1st. Ass.
(Pointing to the Boat.)
Look there, and ask not.
“2d. Ass.
Wouldst thou view it closer?
“Alm.
No, not for many worlds.
“Ass.
Thy task must now be ended; lead to the cave;
“The bark is waiting, and the morning breaks.
“Why move you not?—Here's gold for you.
“(Gives a purse.)
“Alm.
I know thy power, thou bright and glittr'ing devil!
“To plunge in death the soul of him that seeks thee:
“Reverse the spell in which thou'st bound my spirit,
“And I will worship thee.
“He will be ever with me, ever near me,
“In daylight and in darkness.—Thou grim shape,
“Am I for ever thine?
“1st. Ass.
Come, come, no more delay.
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Shall no blest hour
“Give me to vindicate my soul from guilt,
“And stand my own avenger upon him
“Who led me into crime?
“1st. Ass.
Come, Almorad.
“(Almorad shews great reluctance and horror; at length they drag him to the Boat, which he enters with them, and it rows away.)”
| Manuel | |