University of Virginia Library

SIGEA, MELANTHUS.
SIGEA.
Nothing can harm her further.

MELANTHUS.
Heaven forbid!
She is not dead!—

SIGEA.
Once her sad soul seem'd past
The goal of life; and happy had she been,
Had it no more return'd.

MELANTHUS.
But she recover'd—

SIGEA.
She did. And had'st thou seen what these eyes saw—
Solemn and mute, her folded hands close clasp'd
Despair to her sad heart. Once her child's name
Broke forth; and once she cast a casual glance
On her dear statue. At the sight she started;
Her pale lips trembled, her distorted mien,
Chang'd with the violent conflict, gave sad signs
Of desperation; keenest curses then
'Gainst the vile king she pour'd, tore her white hairs,
And call'd them pitiless gods.—A sight so horrid
I cou'd not bear; but hither ran to vent
The anguish of my heart.—Oh heav'ns, see there!
She comes—despair and madness in her looks!