That can distinguish me from the vile earth, To tell how they have used me; but believe, I do not come for pity, to complain. Bending and sinking, I have dragged my steps Aboan. My body tires, And wo'not bear me off to liberty: I shall again be taken, made a slave. A sword, a dagger, yet would rescue me. I have not strength to go and find out death, Oro. Here he is, [Gives him a dagger. The only present I can make thee now; And, next the honourable means of life, I would bestow the honest means of death. Aboan. I cannot stay to thank you. A being after this, I shall be yours If there is In the next world, your faithful slave again. This is to try. [Stabs himself.] I had a living sense Of all your royal favours, but this last Strikes through my heart. I wo'not say farewell, Oro. In life and death, Follow thee? then perhaps All his care Was to preserve me from the barbarous rage My friend has found it out, and my wife will soon: I can't support it. Where's Imoinda ? Oh ? [Dies. [Going out, he meets IMOINDA, who runs into his arms. Down of all my cares! Thou bosom softness! I could recline my thoughts upon this breast To a forgetfulness of all my griefs, be happy but it wo'not be. Thou art disordered, pale, and out of breath! Imo. 'Tis in vain to call him villain. Imo. There's not another, sure. Oro. Villain's the common name of mankind here, But his most properly. What! what of him? I fear to be resolved, and must inquire. He had thee in his power. Imo. I blush to think it. Oro. Blush! to think what? Imo. What he could he dared. Oro. His own gods damn him then! For ours have none, No punishment for such unheard-of crime. Imo. This monster, cunning in his flatteries, When he had wearied all his useless arts, Leaped out, fierce as a beast of prey, to seize me. Oro. I fear and tremble now. What could preserve thee? What deliver thee? Imo. That worthy man you used to call Oro. Blandford? your Imo. Came in, and saved me from his rage. Oro. He was a friend indeed to rescue thee! And, for his sake, I'll think it possible A Christian may be yet an honest man. friend Imo. O did you know what I have struggled through, To save me yours, sure you would promise me Never to see me forced from you again. Oro. To promise thee! O! do I need to promise? But there is now no further use of words, Death is security for all our fears. [Shows ABOAN's body on the floor. And yet I cannot trust him. Imo. Aboan! Oro. Mangled and torn, resolved to give me time To fit myself for what I must expect, Groaned out a warning to me, and expired. Imo. For what you must expect? Oro. Would that were all. Imo. What, to be butchered thus Oro. Just as thou seest. Imo. By barb'rous hands to fall at last their prey? Lag, and be overtaken at the goal? Imo. No. Oro. I must look back to thee. Imo. You sha'not need. I am always present to your purpose; say, Which way would you dispose me? This dagger will instruct you. Oro. Ha! this dagger! Like fate, it points me to the horrid deed. [Tenderly. [Gives it to him. Imo. Strike, strike it home, and bravely save us both. There is no other safety. Oro. It must be But first a dying kiss This last embrace And now Imo. I'm ready. Oro. O, where shall I strike? [Kisses her. [Embraces her. Is there the smallest grain of that loved body My bosomed heart, and all the life-blood there? Bid me cut off these limbs, hew off these hands, Dig out these eyes, though I would keep them last thee: but to murder thee! To gaze upon every The joy and charm of ravished sense, Imo. "Tis your wife, Who on her knees conjures you. O! in time, And now prepare thee. Imo. Thus, with open arms, I welcome you and death. [He drops the dagger as he looks on her, and throws himself on the ground. Oro. I cannot bear it. O let me dash against the rock of fate, Imo. O rise, 'tis more than death to see you thus. I'll ease your love, and do the deed myself— [She takes up the dagger; he rises in haste to take it from her. |