Page:The poetical works of Matthew Arnold, 1897.djvu/381

Rh MEROPE.

From the altar, the unavenged tomb,

Fetch me the sacrifice-axe! ——

O Husband, O clothed

With the grave's everlasting,

All-covering darkness! O King,

Well-mourn'd, but ill-avenged!

Approv'st thou thy wife now? ——

The axe!—who brings it?

THE CHORUS.

'Tis here!

But thy gesture, thy look,

Appall me, shake me with awe.

MEROPE.

Thrust back now the bolt of that door!

THE CHORUS.

Alas! alas!—

Behold the fastenings withdrawn

Of the guest-chamber door!—

Ah! I beseech thee—with tears ——

MEROPE.

Throw the door open!

THE CHORUS.

'Tis done!...