Man. to Off. Hold thy unrighteous tongue, or hie thee hence,
Nor, in the presence of this honour'd dame,
Utter the slightest meaning of reproach.
1st Off. I am an officer on duty call'd,
And have authority to say, how died?
(Here Jane shakes off the weakness of grief, and repressing Manuel, who is about to reply to the Officer, steps forward with dignity.)
Jane. Tell them by whose authority you come,
He died that death which best becomes a man
Who is with keenest sense of conscious ill
And deep remorse assail'd, a wounded spirit.
A death that kills the noble and the brave,
And only them. He had no other wound.
1st Off. And shall I trust to this.
Jane.Do as thou wilt:
To one who can suspect my simple word
I have no more reply. Fulfill thine office.
1st Off. No, lady, I believe your honour'd word,
And will no farther search.
Jane. I thank your courtesy: thanks, thanks to all!
My rev'rend mother, and ye honour'd maids;
Ye holy men; and you, my faithful friends,
The blessing of the afflicted rest with you:
And he, who to the wretched is most piteous,
Will recompense you.—Freberg, thou art good,
Remove the body of the friend you lov'd,
'Tis Rezenvelt I mean. Take thou this charge:
'Tis meet that, with his noble ancestors,
