To me, Politian, of thy camps and courts. Bal. Thou speakest a fearful riddle I will not understand. Pol. Yet now as Fate Approaches, and the Hours are breathing low, 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; Sitteth in heaven.-Hist! hist! thou canst not say Bal. Indeed, I hear not. Pol. Not hear it! listen now-listen! the faintest sound, And yet the sweetest, that ear ever heard! Bal. I myself hear it now. Be still!-the voice, if I mistake not greatly, The roof of his excellency, and perhaps Is even that Alessandra of whom he spoke His son and heir. Pol. Be still!it comes again! Void (very faintly). "And is thy heart so strong Bal. 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, As for to leave me thus? Bul. "Tis hushed, and all is still! Pol. Bal. Let us go down. Pol. All is not still! Go down, Baldazzar,-go! Bal. The hour is growing late-the Duke awaits us, 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!" Bal. Let us descend!-'tis time. Politian, give These fancies to the wind. Remember, pray, Your bearing lately savoured much of rudeness member. I do re [Going. Let us descend. Believe me, I would give,— Freely would give, the broad lands of my earldom. To look upon the face hidden by yon lattice,— 66 To gaze upon that veiled face, and hear Bal. Let me beg you, sir, Once more that silent tongue." Descend with me; the Duke may be offended. Let us go down, I pray you. Pol. (Aside.) "Tis strange!-'tis very strange ! Methought the voice Chimed in with my desires, and bade me stay! [Approaching the window. Sweet voice, I heed thee, and will surely stay! I go not down to-night. Bal. Your lordship's pleasure Shall be attended to. Good night, Politian. Pol. Good night, my friend, good night. |