I cannot die, having within my heart So keen a relish for the beautiful As hath been kindled within it. Methinks the air Is balmier now than it was wont to be- A rarer loveliness bedecks the earth And with a holier lustre the quiet moon Sitteth in heaven.-Hist! hist! thou canst not And yet the sweetest that ear ever heard! Had I but heard it with its thrilling tones BALDAZZAR. I myself hear it now. Be still!-the voice if I mistake not greatly, Does it not? unto this palace of the Duke. Poe's Poems. "Listen now-listen!-the faintest sound, Page 106. The singer is undoubtedly beneath The roof of his Excellency-and perhaps Is even that Alessandra of whom he spoke His son and heir. POLITIAN. Be still!-it comes again! Voice [very faintly]. "And is thy heart so strong And is thy heart so strong As for to leave me thus ? Say nay-say nay!" BALDAZZAR. The song is English, and I oft have heard it In merry England-never so plaintively Hist! hist! it comes again! Voice [more loudly]. "Is it so strong As for to leave me thus, Who hath loved thee so long, In wealth and woe among? And is thy heart so strong As for to leave me thus? Say nay-say nay!" BALDAZZAR. 'Tis hushed, and all is still! Thy presence is expected in the hall Below. What ails thee, Earl Politian? Voice [distinctly]. "Who hath loved thee so long, In wealth and woe among, And is thy heart so strong? Say nay-say nay!" BALDAZZAR. Let us descend!-'tis time. Politian, give These fancies to the wind. Remember, pray, Your bearing lately savoured much of rudeness Unto the Duke. Arouse thee! and remember! Remember? I do. Lead on! I do re POLITIAN. member. [Going. Let us descend. Believe me, I would give, |