University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

A Cemetery, with an open Vault in the back-ground, and a dim noise of revelry, as from some house in the neighbourhood.
Enter Giulio.
Giulio.
What devilishness, and outrage to the dead,
About whose homes the rudest-footed churl
Treads softly, e'en by day. The noble hearts
I serve, have been so generous, that these drunkards
Count it but as a folly worth their cheating,
And have shut up their promised vigilance
Within the roaring wine-house. (Noise again.)
Only one
Remains within the gate, who let me in,
Staring 'twixt sleep and glass-eyed sottishness.
Yet see—the vault has been left open, wide
As fear could wish. What, if!—Methinks the man
Look'd at me yonder;—yes, and is still looking;— (Noise again)

And now the noise allures him, and he turns.
Hark! Not a sound, but when the riot swells!
So still all else, that I can hear the grass
Whisper, as in lament, through its lorn hair.
I'll in, and look.—What if a hope almost
As dreadful, for the moment, as worst fear,
Show to my heart its selfish cowardice,
And I should see her, not still laid, but risen!
Sitting perhaps, with eyes encountering mine,
And muttering lips! I'll take thy burden, horror,
Upon me, for love's sake and gratitude's;
Oh will I, Heaven! e'en should my knees melt under me,
And every pore turn to a swoon of water.
[He enters the Vault, and returns.
Gone! Borne away? or of her own self gone?
Gone, without friend to help, or to pursue!
And whither? or with help itself how dreadful!
What hands for lilied innocence in the night!
Perhaps that very house—What ho, there!—you!
[The gate of the Cemetery is loudly shut.
He shuts the gate! he shuts, and is himself
Gone! and forbid it, Heaven, not for my sake,
But hers, but hers, left me, perhaps on purpose,
To call in vain, and 'gainst the bolts grow mad!
Pardon, sweet Heavens! I'll not be mad, for fear
Of madness, but be calm. What ho, there! Stay!
Come back, for Heaven's sweet sake, and ope the doors.

[Exit.