University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Sigismunda.
And am I then alone?—The most undone,
Most wretched Being, now beneath the Cope
Of this affrighting Gloom that wraps the World!—
I said I did not fear—Ah me! I feel
A shivering Horror run thro' all my Powers,
O I am nought but Tumult, Fears and Weakness!
And yet how idle Fear when Hope is gone,
Gone, gone forever!—O Thou gentle Scene
[Looking towards her Bed.
Of sweet Repose, where by th' oblivious Draught
Of each sad toilsome Day, to Peace restor'd,
Unhappy Mortals lose their Woes awhile,
Thou hast no Peace for me!—What shall I do?
How pass this dreadful Night, so big with Terror?—
Here, with the Midnight Shades, here will I sit,
[sitting down.
A Prey to dire Despair, and ceaseless weep
The Hours away—Bless me!—I heard a Noise—
[starting up.
No—I mistook—Nothing but Silence reigns
And awful Midnight round—Again!—O Heavens!
My Lord the King!