Scene V
(Selma is discovered leaning against a moss-covered
rock in the desert. Enter Naymoyah
as if in search of him).
Naymoyah
Oh! God! what is it that I see? my love?
(Rushes to him and kneels by his side)
Selma
Naymoyah!
Naymoyah
Selma!
Selma
I did look for thee!
Naymoyah
What is the matter, Selma? speak, my love!
There's blood upon thy bosom! speak to me!
Selma
By hoping future pleasure, present woes
Took sudden birth! Naymoyah! I must die!
(Falls back and dies).
Naymoyah
What! Selma! do not die! speak to me, love!
(Feels his head).
No! the nest is warm, but the bird has flown!
There! there! the white wings of my first fond love
Pluming his soul for instant flight to Heaven!
See! on the rosy atmosphere of Joy,
It soars away to find the Blessed Isles!
The sweet little bird of my hope is gone,
Pillowed away up in the peaceful sky
Upon the beautiful wings of his soul!
Oh! beauteous Island in this Sea of Life!
How dark have been the waves around thee cast!
How fond Naymoyah loved to worship thee,
And make thy life as joyous as her own—
Moulting thy bosom with the Spring of Love!
Now, now, on the same bosom will I die,
Where I first built my utmost hope of life—
Here, on this little island girt by waves
Of sorrow, dashing on him now—lie down!
Oh! God! they rush upon him now! they roll!
They roll! they roll! I drown beneath the waves!
I drown beneath the waves that drown my love!
I sink beneath the sea that whelms his soul!
I hear it now, oh! God! I hear it now!
It rolls! it rolls! it rolls above his head—
Washing away my utmost hope of life!
Now, farewell, world! Wait, Selma, wait!
Naymoyah comes to thee! Wait, heavenly dove!
I come to thee! I come to thee in Heaven!
(Dies).
Curtain falls
