Certes, a father's smile should, like sun light,
Slant on my sheaved harvest of ripe bliss.
Besides, I thirst to pledge my lovely bride
In a deep goblet: let me see— -what wine?
The strong Iberian juice, or mellow Greek?
Or pale Calabrian? Or the Tuscan grape?
Or of old Ætna's pulpy wine-presses,

Black stain'd with the fat vintage, as it were

The purple slaughter-house, where Bacchus' self
Prick'd his own swollen veins!
Where is my

page?

Page. Here, here!

Ludolph. Be ready to obey me; anon thou shalt Bear a soft message for me; for the hour

Draws near when I must make a winding up
Of bridal mysteries—a fine-spun vengeance!

Carve it on my tomb, that, when I rest beneath,
Men shall confess, this Prince was gull'd and
cheated,

But from the ashes of disgrace he rose

More than a fiery dragon, and did burn
His ignominy up in purging fires!

Did I not send, sir, but a moment past,

Gersa.

He enters now!

Enter ОTHO, ERMINIA, ETHELBERT, SIGIFRED, and Physician.

Ludolph. Oh! thou good man, against whose sacred

head

I was a mad conspirator, chiefly too
For the sake of my fair newly wedded wife,
Now to be punish'd!—do not look so sad!
Those charitable eyes will thaw my heart,
Those tears will wash away a just resolve,
A verdict ten times sworn!

Awake-awake

Put on a judge's brow, and use a tongue
Made iron-stern by habit! Thou shalt see
A deed to be applauded, 'scribed in gold!
Join a loud voice to mine, and so denounce
What I alone will execute!

Otho.

Dear son,

What is it? By your father's love, I sue

That it be nothing merciless!

Ludolph.

To that demon?

Not so! No! She is in temple-stall
Being garnish'd for the sacrifice, and I,
The Priest of Justice, will immolate her

Upon the altar of wrath! She stings me through!upon the nut,

Even as the worm doth feed

So she, a scorpion, preys upon my brain!

I feel her gnawing here! Let her but vanish,
Then, father, I will lead your legions forth,
Compact in steeled squares, and speared files,
And bid our trumpets speak a fell rebuke
To nations drowsed in peace!

Ludolph. What angel's voice is that? Erminia!
Ah! gentlest creature, whose sweet innocence
Was almost murder'd; I am penitent,

Wilt thou forgive me? And thou, holy man,
Good Ethelbert, shall I die in peace with you?
Erminia. Die, my lord!

Ludolph.

Otho.

I feel it possible.

Physician?

Not so!

Physician. I fear me he is past my skill.

Otho.

Ludolph. I see it I see it-I have been

wandering!

Half mad—not right here-I forget my purpose.
Bestir-bestir-Auranthe! Ha! ha! ha!

Youngster! Page! go bid them drag her to me!

Obey ! This shall finish it!

Otho.

Sigifred. This must not be-stop there!

Ludolph.

[Draws a dagger.

Oh, my son! my son!

Am I obey'd?

[Exit Page.

A little talk with her-no harm-haste! haste!

Set her before me-never fear I can strike.

Several Voices. My Lord! My Lord!

Gersa.

Good Prince!

Ludolph. Why do ye trouble me? out-out

away!

There she is! take that! and that! no no,

That's not well done.-Where is she?

[The doors open. Enter Page. Several women are seen grouped about Auranthe in the inner-room.

Page. Alas! My Lord, my Lord! they cannot move her!

Her arms are stiff,-her fingers clench'd and cold! Ludolph. She's dead!

[Staggers and falls into their arms.

Ethelbert. Take away the dagger.

Ludolph. She's gone! I am content-Nobles,

good night!

We are all weary-faint-set ope the doors

I will to bed!-To-morrow

THE CURTAIN FALLS.

[Dies.