Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/114



Bid the wide city with triumphal pomp Prepare to greet her victor. Let this hour Atone for all his wrongs!— [Exeunt.

Bear me to no dull couch, but let me die In the bright face of nature!—Lift my helm, That I may look on heaven.

(to 2 Att.) Lay him to rest On this green sunny bank, and I will call Some holy sister to his aid; but thou Return unto the field, for high-born men There need the peasant's aid. [Exit 2 Att. (to Raimond) Here gentler hands Shall tend thee, warrior; for in these retreats They dwell, whose vows devote them to the care Of all that suffer. May'st thou live to bless them! [Exit 1 Att.

Thus have I wish'd to die!—'Twas a proud strife! My father bless'd th' unknown who rescued him, (Bless'd him, alas! because unknown!) and Guido, Beside me bravely struggling, call'd aloud, "Noble Sicilian, on!" Oh! had they deem’d