Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/68



"Ranging the world, to note e'en purposed crime "In burning characters, had laid aside "Their everlasting attributes for thee?" —Oh! blind security!—He, in whose dread hand The lightnings vibrate, holds them back, until The trampler of this goodly earth hath reach'd His pyramid-height of power; that so his fall May, with more fearful oracles, make pale Man's crown'd oppressors!

Oh! reproach him not! His soul is trembling on the dizzy brink Of that dim world where passion may not enter. Leave him in peace!

(without.) Anjou, Anjou!—De Couci to the rescue!

(half-raising himself.) My brave Provençals! do ye combat still? And I, your chief, am here!—Now, now I feel That death indeed is bitter!

Fare thee well! Thine eyes so oft, with their insulting smile, Have looked on man's last pangs, thou shouldst, by this, Be perfect how to die! [Exit Vittoria.

Away, my Constance! Now is the time for flight. Our slaughtering bands Are scatter'd far and wide. A little while And thou shalt be in safety. Know'st thou not