Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/108



Thou art no traitor:—from thy kindled brow Looks out thy lofty soul!—Arise! go forth! And rouse the noble heart of Sicily Unto high deeds again. Anselmo, haste; Unbind him! Let my spirit still prevail, Ere I depart—for the strong hand of death Is on me now.—(She sinks back against a pillar.

Oh heaven! the life-blood streams Fast from thy heart—thy troubled eyes grow dim. Who hath done this?

Before the gates I stood, And in the name of him, the loved and lost, With whom I soon shall be, all vainly strove To stay the shameful flight. Then from the foe, Fraught with my summons to his viewless home, Came the fleet shaft which pierced me.

Yet, oh yet, It may not be too late. Help, help!

Away! Bright is the hour which brings me liberty!

Haste, be those fetters riven!—Unbar the gates, And set the captive free! (The Attendants seem to hesitate. Know ye not her Who should have worn your country's diadem?

Oh, lady, we obey. (They take off Raimond's chains. He springs up exultingly.