Page:The maid's tragedy (IA maidstragedy00beau 0).pdf/74

62 There is some hidden power in these dead things, That calls my flesh unto 'em: I am cold! Be resolute, and bear 'em company. There's something, yet, which I am loth to leave. There's man enough in me to meet the fears That death can bring; and yet, 'would it were done! I can find nothing in the whole discourse Of death, I durst not meet the boldest way; Yet still, betwixt the reason and the act, The wrong I to Aspatia did stands up: I have not such another fault to answer. Though she may justly arm herself with scorn And hate of me, my soul will part less troubled, When I have paid to her in tears my sorrow. I will not leave this act unsatisfied, If all that's left in me can answer it.

Asp.Was it a dream? There stands Amintor still; Or I dream still.

Amin.How dost thou? Speak! receive my love and help. Thy blood climbs up to his old place again: There's hope of thy recovery.

Asp.Did you not name Aspatia?

Amin.I did.

Asp.And talk'd of tears and sorrow unto her?

Amin.'Tis true; and till these happy signs in thee Did stay my course, 'twis neither I was going.

Asp.Thou art there already, and these wounds are hers: Those threats I brought with me sought not revenge; But come to fetch this blessing from thy hand. I am Aspatia yet.

Amin.Dare my soul ever look abroad again?

Asp.I shall surely live, Amintor; I am well: A kind of healthful joy wanders within me.

Amin.The world wants lives to excuse thy loss! Come, let me bear thee to some place of help.

Asp.Amintor, thou must stay; I must rest here; My strength begins to disobey my will. How dost thou, my best soul? I would fain live Now, if I could: Wouldst thou have loved me then?

Amin.Alas! all that I am's not worth a Hair from thee.

Asp.Give me thy hand; my hands grope up and down, And cannot find thee: I am wondrous sick: Have I thy hand, Amintor?

Amin.Thou greatest blessing of the world, thou hast.

Asp.I do believe thee better than my sense. Oh! I must go. Farewell! [Dies.

Amin.She swoons: Aspatia; help; for Heav'ns sake water, Such as may chain Life ever to this Frame. Aspatia,