Part 57 (1/2)

_Merope_ (_with a start_)

How say'st thou? within?...

_The Chorus_

He in the guest-chamber now, Faithlessly murder'd his friend.

_Merope_

Ye, too, ye, too, join to betray, then Your Queen!

_The Chorus_

What is this?

_Merope_

Ye knew, O false friends! into what Haven the murderer had dropp'd?

Ye kept silence?

_The Chorus_

In fear, O loved mistress! in fear, Dreading thine over-wrought mood, What I knew, I conceal'd.

_Merope_

Swear by the G.o.ds henceforth to obey me!

_The Chorus_

Unhappy one, what deed Purposes thy despair?

I promise; but I fear.

_Merope_

From the altar, the unavenged tomb, Fetch me the sacrifice-axe!----

[THE CHORUS _goes towards the tomb of_ CRESPHONTES, _and their leader brings back the axe._

O Husband, O clothed With the grave's everlasting, All-covering darkness! O King, Well-mourn'd, but ill-avenged!

Approv'st thou thy wife now?---- The axe!--who brings it?

_The Chorus_

'Tis here!

But thy gesture, thy look, Appals me, shakes me with awe.

_Merope_

Thrust back now the bolt of that door!

_The Chorus_

Alas! alas!-- Behold the fastenings withdrawn Of the guest-chamber door!-- Ah! I beseech thee--with tears----