Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/35



Leave me for a time, That I may calm my soul by intercourse With the still dead, before I mix with men, And with their passions. I have nursed for years, In silence and in solitude, the flame Which doth consume me; and it is not used Thus to be look'd or breath'd on.—Procida! I would be tranquil—or appear so—ere I join your brave confederates. Thro' my heart There struck a pang—but it will soon have pass'd.

Remember!—in the cavern by the cross. Now, follow me, my son. [Exeunt Procida and Raimond.

(after a pause, leaning on the tomb.) Said he, "my son?"—Now, why should this man’s life Go down in hope, thus resting on a son, And I be desolate?—How strange a sound Was that—"my son!"—I had a boy, who might Have worn as free a soul upon his brow As doth this youth.—Why should the thought of him Thus haunt me?—when I tread the peopled ways Of life again, I shall be pass'd each hour By fathers with their children, and I must Learn calmly to look on.—Methinks 'twere now A gloomy consolation to behold All men bereft, as I am!—But away, Vain thoughts!—One task is left for blighted hearts, And it shall be fulfill'd. [Exit Montalba.