But now I see it is no living hue, But a strange hectic-like the unnatural red NEMESIS. By the power which hath broken The Speak to him who hath spoken, MANFRED. She is silent, And in that silence I am more than answered. NEMESIS. My power extends no further. Prince of air! It rests with thee alone-command her voice. ARIMANES. Spirit-obey this sceptre! NEMESIS. Silent still! She is not of our order, but belongs To the other powers. Mortal! thy quest is vain, And we are baffled also. MANFRED. Hear me, hear me Astarte ! my beloved! speak to me : I have so much endured-so much endure Look on me! the grave hath not changed thee more Startled the slumbering birds from the hush'd boughs, I live but in the sound it is thy voice! PHANTOM OF ASTARTE. Manfred! To-morrow ends thine earthly ills. Manfred! MANFRED. One word for mercy! Say, thou lovest me. PHANTOM OF ASTARTE. (The Spirit of ASTARTE disappears.) NEMESIS. She's gone, and will not be recall'd; Her words will be fulfill'd. Return to the earth. A SPIRIT. He is convulsed-This is to be a mortal, ANOTHER SPIRIT. Yet, see, he mastereth himself, and makes Had he been one of us, he would have made NEMESIS. Hast thou further question Of our great sovereign, or his worshippers? None. MANFRED. NEMESIS. Then for a time farewell. MANFRED. We meet then! Where? On the earth? Even as thou wilt and for the grace accorded I now depart a debtor. Fare ye well! ( Exit MANFRED.) (Scene closes.). END OF ACT SECOND. |