Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/301



SCENE I. A large platform on the roof of the palace of Petronius, ''from which are seen spires and towers, and the broken roofs of houses, &c. with the general appearance of a ruined city, the distant parts involved in smoke.  Ella is discovered with an attendant, standing on a balcony belonging to a small tower, rising from the side of the platform. As the curtain draws up the sound of artillery is heard.''

, see how sadly chang'd the prospect is Since first from our high station we beheld This dismal siege begin! 'Midst level ruin, Our city now shews but its batter'd towers, Like the jagg'd bones of some huge animal, Whose other parts the mould'ring hand of time Has into dust reduc'd.