Arcas. All I can grant,
You shall command. I will unbar the dungeon,
Unloose the chain that binds him to the rock,
And leave your interview without restraint.
[Opens a Cell in the back Scene.
Eup. Hold, hold my heart! Oh! how shall I sustain
The agonizing scene? [Rises.] I must behold him;
Nature, that drives me on, will lend me force.
Is that my father?
Arcas. Take your last farewell.
His vigour seems not yet exhausted quite.
You must be brief, or ruin will ensue.
Eva. [Raising himself.] Oh! when shall I get free?
—These ling'ring pangs—
Eup. Behold, ye pow'rs, that spectacle of woe!
Eva. Despatch me, pitying gods, and save my child!
I burn, I burn; alas! no place of rest:
[Rises and comes out.
A little air; once more a breath of air;
Alas! I faint; I die.
Eup. Heart-piercing sight!
Let me support you, sir.
Eva. Oh! lend your arm.
Whoe'er thou art, I thank thee: that kind breeze
Comes gently o'er my senses—lead me forward:
And is there left one charitable hand
To reach its succour to a wretch like me?
Eup. Well may'st thou ask it. O! my breaking heart!
The hand of death is on him.