What do I see?...

_Merope_

A murderer at death's door.

Therefore no words!

_Arcas_

A murderer?...

_Merope_

And a captive To the dear next-of-kin of him he murder'd.

Stand, and let vengeance pa.s.s!

_Arcas_

Hold, O Queen, hold!

Thou know'st not whom thou strik'st....

_Merope_

I know his crime.

_Arcas_

Unhappy one! thou strik'st----

_Merope_

A most just blow.

_Arcas_

No, by the G.o.ds, thou slay'st----

_Merope_

Stand off!

_Arcas_

Thy son!

_Merope_

Ah!...

[_She lets the axe drop, and falls insensible._

_aepytus_ (_awaking_)

Who are these? What shrill, ear-piercing scream Wakes me thus kindly from the perilous sleep Wherewith fatigue and youth had bound mine eyes, Even in the deadly palace of my foe?-- Arcas! Thou here?

_Arcas_ (_embracing him_)

O my dear master! O My child, my charge beloved, welcome to life!

As dead we held thee, mourn'd for thee as dead.

_aepytus_

In word I died, that I in deed might live.

But who are these?

_Arcas_

Messenian maidens, friends.

_aepytus_

And, Arcas!--but I tremble!

_Arcas_

Boldly ask.

_aepytus_

That black-robed, swooning figure?...

_Arcas_

Merope.

_aepytus_

O mother! mother!

_Merope_

Who upbraids me? Ah!...

[_seeing the axe_.

_aepytus_

Upbraids thee? no one.

_Merope_