Lord Byron

Manfred (With Byron's Biography)


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cold waves swell high and heavily, And there is danger in them. Such a rest Is no repose. My life hath been a combat, And every thought a wound, till I am scarred In the immortal part of me.—What now?]60

      A prodigal son—and a pregnant nun, nun, And a widow re-wedded within the year— And a calf at grass—and a priest at mass. Are things which every day appear.—[MS. erased.]

       bd

      To shun { not loss of life, but the torments of a } public death—[MS. M.]

       164 The remainder of the act in its original shape, ran thus—

      Her. Look—look—the tower— The tower's on fire. Oh, heavens and earth! what sound, What dreadful sound is that? A crash like thunder.

      Manuel. Help, help, there!—to the rescue of the Count,— The Count's in danger,—what ho! there! approach! The Servants, Vassals, and Peasantry approach stupifed with terror. If there be any of you who have heart And love of human kind, and will to aid Those in distress—pause not—but follow me— The portal's open, follow. Manuel goes in.

      Her. Come—who follows? What, none of ye?—ye recreants! shiver then10 Without. I will not see old Manuel risk His few remaining years unaided. Herman goes in.

      Vassal. Hark!— No—all is silent—not a breath—the flame Which shot forth such a blaze is also gone: What may this mean? Let's enter!

      Peasant. Faith, not I,— Not but, if one, or two, or more, will join, I then will stay behind; but, for my part, I do not see precisely to what end.

      Vassal. Cease your vain prating—come.

      Manuel (speaking within). 'Tis all in vain— He's dead.

      Her. (within). Not so—even now methought he moved;20 But it is dark—so bear him gently out— Softly—how cold he is! take care of his temples In winding down the staircase.

      Re-enter Manuel and Herman, bearing Manfred in their arms.

      Manuel. Hie to the castle, some of ye, and bring What aid you can. Saddle the barb, and speed For the leech to the city—quick! some water there!

      Her. His cheek is black—but there is a faint beat Still lingering about the heart. Some water. They sprinkle Manfred with water: after a pause, he gives some signs of life.

      Manuel. He seems to strive to speak—come—cheerly, Count! He moves his lips—canst hear him! I am old,30 And cannot catch faint sounds. Herman inclining his head and listening.

      Her. I hear a word Or two—but indistinctly—what is next? What's to be done? let's bear him to the castle. Manfred motions with his hand not to remove him.

      Manuel. He disapproves—and 'twere of no avail— He changes rapidly.

      Her. 'Twill soon be over.

      Manuel. Oh! what a death is this! that I should live To shake my gray hairs over the last chief Of the house of Sigismund.—And such a death! Alone—we know not how—unshrived—untended— With strange accompaniments and fearful signs—40 I shudder at the sight—but must not leave him.

      Manfred (speaking faintly and slowly). Old man! 'tis not so difficult to die. Manfred, having said this, expires. Her. His eyes are fixed and lifeless.—He is gone.—

      Manuel. Close them.—My old hand quivers.—He departs— Whither? I dread to think—but he is gone!

      End of Act Third, and of the poem."]