Olga
Hardening my heart? But when he spoke to me
So sadly, nobly, all my brain was turning
With the intense love that sprang up in me.
And still I lured him—still I played my part;
And when I gave the signal, I believed
I was the God-appointed Priestess, he
God's chosen sacrifice, a noble victim
Slain at the altar of Humanity.
And I fell prostrate, giving up myself
In the same sacred holocaust—ah me!
The flames are raging—raging, and I burn.
And he is there, so sad and beautiful,
And now—oh God! he dooms me!
Guard.She is raving.
She must be moved hence.
Ivan.She is dying—look.
Olga. Alexis! hold my hand again in thine.
[Dies.
So sadly, nobly, all my brain was turning
With the intense love that sprang up in me.
And still I lured him—still I played my part;
And when I gave the signal, I believed
I was the God-appointed Priestess, he
God's chosen sacrifice, a noble victim
Slain at the altar of Humanity.
And I fell prostrate, giving up myself
In the same sacred holocaust—ah me!
The flames are raging—raging, and I burn.
And he is there, so sad and beautiful,
And now—oh God! he dooms me!
Guard.She is raving.
She must be moved hence.
Ivan.She is dying—look.
Olga. Alexis! hold my hand again in thine.
[Dies.
126
