Page:Felicia Hemans in The Court Magazine Volume IV 1834.pdf/11

 Of no ignoble consort lead thee still!— Gonzago! take the hand which thou hast pressed Oft in the morn of battle, when our hearts Had cause to doubt if we should meet at eve. Wilt thou yet press it, pledging me thy faith To guide and guard these mourners, till they join Their friends and kindred? GONZAGO. Rest assured, I will. CARMAGNOLA. I am content. And if, when this is done, Thou to the field returnest, there for me Salute my brethren; tell them that I died Guiltless; thou hast been witness of my deeds, Hast read my inmost thoughts—and know'st it well. Tell them I never, with a traitor's shame, Stained my bright sword. Oh! never—I myself Have been ensnared by treachery. Think of me When trumpet-notes are stirring every heart, And banners proudly waving in the air, Think of thine ancient comrade! And the day Following the combat, when upon the field Amidst the deep and solemn harmony Of dirge and hymn, the priest of funeral rites, With lifted hands, is offering for the dead His sacrifice to Heaven—forget me not! For I, too, hoped upon the battle plain E'en so to die. ANTONIETTA. Have mercy on us, Heaven! CARMAGNOLA. My wife! Matilda! Now The hour is nigh, And we must part.—Farewell! MATILDA. No, Father, no! CARMAGNOLA. Come to this breast yet, yet once more, and then For pity's sake, depart! ANTONIETTA. No! force alone Shall tear us thence. [A sound of arms is heard. MATILDA. Hark, what dread sound? ANTONIETTA. Great God!

CARMAGNOLA. O God, I thank thee! O most merciful! Thus to withdraw their senses from the pangs Of this dread moment's conflict. Thou, my friend, Assist them, bear them from this scene of woe, And tell them, when their eyes again unclose To meet the day—that nought is left to fear.