As vestal truth; was resolutely yours, Beyond the power of aught on earth to shake it. Osm. Perfidious woman! die!--[Shortening his sword, he plunges it into her breast.] and to the grave Attend a husband, yet but half avenged! Tan. Oh, horror! horror! execrable villain! Osm. And, tyrant! thou!—thou shalt not o'er my tomb Exult-Tis well—'Tis great!—I die content!— [Dies. Enter RODOLPHO and ATTENDANTS. Tan. [Throwing himself down by SIGISMUNDA.] Quick! here! bring aid!—All in Palermo bring Whose skill can save her !—Ah, that gentle bosom Pours fast the streams of life. Sig. All aid is vain, 1 feel the powerful hand of death upon me- Tan. Oh death is in that voice! so gently mild, Yes, death shall soon unite us. Sig. Live, live, my Tancred!-Let my fice To expiate all that may have been amiss. Enter SIFFRedi. death suf My father! -Oh, how shall I lift my eyes To thee, my sinking father! F Sig. Where am I? A fearful darkness closes all around Oh, my dear father, bow'd beneath the weight Tan. How these pangs distract me! Oh, lift thy gracious eyes:-Thou leavest me then! Thou leavest me, Sigismunda! Sig. Oh, -I die Eternal mercy take my trembling soul! Oh, 'tis the only sting of death to part From those we love-from thee-farewell, my Tan cred! Tan. Thus, then! [Dies. [Flying to his sword, is held by RODOLPHO. Rod. Hold! hold! my lord!-Have you forgot Your Sigismunda's last request already? Tan. Off! set me free! Think not to bind me down, With barbarous friendship, to the rack of life! Will burst indignant from this gaol of nature, The scorn of human kind! -A trampled king! Th' infernal world discloses! See! Behold him! And mocks my feeble tears.-Hence, quickly hence! Rod. Preserve him, Heaven! Tan. What am I? Where? Sad, silent, all?-The forms of dumb despair, Turn'd to the house of death! a place of horror! Is that my Sigismunda? [Throws himself down by her. THE END. |