Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/20



Dwells in one hour like this!—Yet weep thou not! We shall meet soon; and many days, dear love, Ere I depart.

Then there's a respite still. Days!—not a day but in its course may bring Some strange vicissitude to turn aside Th' impending blow we shrink from.—Fare thee well. (returning. —Oh, Raimond! this is not our last farewell? Thou wouldst not so deceive me?

Doubt me not, Gentlest and best beloved! we meet again. [Exit Constance.

(After a pause.) When shall I breathe in freedom, and give scope To those untameable and burning thoughts, And restless aspirations, which consume My heart i' th' land of bondage?—Oh! with you, Ye everlasting images of power, And of infinity! thou blue-rolling deep, And you, ye stars! whose beams are characters Wherewith the oracles of fate are traced; With you my soul finds room, and casts aside The weight that doth oppress her.—But my thoughts Are wandering far; there should be one to share This awful and majestic solitude Of sea and heaven with me. It is the hour He named, and yet he comes not.