sociate him. Withal, his pleasure is, that you, D'Avolos, forbear to rank in this solemnity in the place of secretary; else to be there as a private Pleaseth you to go? man. [Exeunt all but D'Av. D'Av. As a private man! what remedy? This way they must come, and here I will stand to fall amongst 'em in the rear. A solemn strain of soft Music. The Scene opens, and discovers the Church, with a Tomb in the back ground. Enter Attendants with Torches, after them Two Friars; then the DUKE in mourning manner; after him the ABBOT, FIORMONDA, COLONA, JuLIA, ROSEILLI, PETRUCHIO, NIBRASSA, and a Guard.-D'AVOLOS following. When the Procession approaches the Tomb they all kneel. The DUKE goes to the Tomb, and lays his hand on it. The Music ceases. Duke. Peace and sweet rest sleep here! Let not the touch Of this my impious hand profane the shrine About these blessed bones inhears'd within. Of bleeding tears, shed from a faithful spring; To thee, offended spirit! I confess I am Caraffa, he, that wretched man, [The Tomb is opened, out of which rises FERNANDO in his winding-sheet, and, as CARAFFA is going in, puts him back. Fern. Forbear! what art thou that dost rudely press Into the confines of forsaken graves? Hath death no privilege? Com'st thou, Caraffa, To practise yet a rape upon the dead? Inhuman tyrant! Whats'ever thou intendest, know this place Here lies the monument of all my hopes. Had eager lust intrunk'd my conquer'd soul, Go, revel in thy palace, and be proud To boast thy famous murthers; let thy smooth, Duke. Fernando, man of darkness, Never till now, before these dreadful sights, Did I abhor thy friendship; thou hast robb'd Come out, or by the thunder of my rage, Thou diest a death more fearful than the scourge Of death can whip thee with. Fern. Of death? poor duke! Why that's the aim I shoot at; 'tis not threats Duke. Guard-lay hands, And drag him out. Fern. Yes, let 'em, here's my shield; Here's health to victory!- Now do thy worst. [He drinks off a phial of poison. Farewell, duke, once I have outstripp'd thy plots;* Can warrant me twelve minutes of my life: 4 Once I have outstripp'd thy plots.] i. e. once for all, finally, effectually: a sense which the word frequently bears in our old writers. I come, Bianca-cruel torment, feast, Feast on, do!-duke, farewell. flames! Thus I-hot Conclude my love,—and seal it in my bosom!— oh! Abbot. Most desperate end! Duke. None stir; Who steps a foot, steps to his utter ruin. [Dies. And art thou gone, Fernando? art thou gone? Children unborn, and widows, whose lean cheeks Whilst in the period, closing up their tale, Thus on her altar sacrificed his life. [Stabs himself. Fior. Save my brother, save him! Duke. Do, do; I was too willing to strike home To be prevented. Fools, why, could you dream I would outlive my outrage? sprightful flood, Run out in rivers! Oh, that these thick streams Could gather head, and make a standing pool, That jealous husbands here might bathe in blood! I creep to thee to thee-to thee, Bi-an-ca. Ros. He's dead already, madam. [Dies. D'Av. Above hope? here's labour saved; I could bless the destinies. Abbot. 'Would I had never seen it! Fior. Since 'tis thus, My Lord Roseilli, in the true requital Abbot. Lady, then [Aside. From my hand take your husband; long enjoy [Joins their hands. Each to each other's comfort and content! All. Long live Roseilli! Ros. First, thanks to heaven, next, lady, to your love; Lastly, my lords, to all: and that the entrance Into this principality may give Fair hopes of being worthy of our place, D'Av. My gracious lord. Ros. No, graceless villain! I am no lord of thine. Guard, take him hence, Convey him to the prison's top; in chains |