64
TAMERLANE.
Chast Virgins, tender Wives, and pious Matrons;Ye holy Martyrs, who, with wond'rous FaithAnd Constancy unshaken, have sustain'dThe Rage of cruel Men, and fiery Persecution;Come to my Aid, and teach me to defyThe malice of this Fiend. I feel, I feelYour sacred Spirit arm me to Resistance.Yes, Tyrant, I will stand this shock of FateWill live to triumph over thee, for a moment,Then die well pleas'd, and follow my Moneses.
Baj.Thou talk'st it well: But talking is thy Privilege,'Tis all the boasted Courage of thy Sex;Tho', for thy Soul, thou dar'st not meet the Danger.
Arp.By all my hopes of Happiness! I dare———My Soul is come within her ken of Heaven;Charm'd with the Joys and Beauties of that place,Her Thoughts, and all her Cares she fixes there,And 'tis in vain for thee, to rage below:Thus Stars shrine bright, and keep their place above,Tho' rufflng Winds deform this Lower World.
Baj.This moment is the Tryal.
Arp.Let it come;This moment then shall shew I am a Greek,And speak my Country's Courage in my suffering.
Baj.Here, Mercy, I disclaim thee. Mark me, Traitress!My Love prepares a Victim to thy Pride,And when it greets thee next, 'twill be in Blood.[Exit Bajazet.
Arp.My Heart beats higher, and my nimble SpiritsRide swiftly thro' their purple Channels round:'Tis the last blaze of Life: Nature revivesLike a dim, winking Lamp, that flashes brightlyWith parting Light, and strait is dark for ever.And see! my last of Sorrows is at hand:Death and Moneses come together to me;As if my Stars that had so long been cruel,Grew kind at last, and gave me all I wish.
Enter
