University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Narbas. Ismene. Euricles, bloody.
NARBAS.
Breathless and bleeding see! who comes!—O, Euricles!

EURICLES.
Scarce had I Strength, wedg'd in by crossing Crowds,
To stem yon breathing Torrent.—Give me Rest.

NARBAS.
Eumenes?—does he live?

EURICLES.
He is—the Son confes'd—of Grecian Gods!

NARBAS.
What has he suffer'd?

EURICLES.
Nothing—but, has done—
Beyond Example's Boast.—Oh! such a Deed!
So terrible! so just!—so fill'd with Wonders!
That half Alcides' Labours, scarce were more.

NARBAS.
And shall he be a King?

EURICLES.
He is

NARBAS.
And Merope?
Great Mirror of Affliction!—lives She, too?
How was it?—say.—My Joys will grow too strong?

EURICLES.
The Altar, strew'd with Flow'rs, was ready dress'd,
The smoking Incense rose, in fragrant Curls,
And Hymen's lambent Torches flam'd, serene,
Silence, and Expectation's dreadful Stillness,
Doubled the solemn Horror of the Scene!
—There, Poliphontes stood: and, at his Side,
Dumb as a destin'd Victim, stood the Queen.
Our Prince's summon'd Hand had touch'd the Altar;
His Eye sought Heaven—as if prepar'd to swear.
The Tyrant smil'd:—when strait, the Priest look'd pale;
The Lights extinguish'd—and the Temple's Roof,
Shook by descending Thunder, seem'd to bow!
The God! the God! the reverend Starter cry'd,
Forbids these baneful Nuptials.—Yes: I HEAR him,
The dreadful Prince reply'd: and, at that Word,
Leapt, from the Altar, to the Tyrant's Breast—
And plung'd the sacred Axe of Sacrifice,
Snatch'd, like a Lightning's Flash! and reach'd his Life.
—He fell—and o'er him while with pendant Eye
Th' indignant Hero hung, with Arm new-rais'd,
Base, from behind, pale Erox pierc'd his Side.
—Red, in his mingled Blood, and rising Anger,
He heard the Crowd's protective Cry—turn'd short,
And buried in his Brow the rapid Steel.
Then, to the Altar's Height sublimely sprung,
Stood, Monarch, all-confess'd; and wav'd the Throng.
Come, let me guide you to this Work of Heav'n.
Haste, and partake it—fly—

NARBAS.
Oh! Happy Day—

[Exeunt.