HERMANN. This is more than I can bear! Farewell, old gentleman!
(Aside to FRANCIS.) How could you have the heart to do this?
[Exit in haste.]
AMELIA (rises and rushes after him). Stay! stay! What were his last words?
HERMANN (calling back). His last sigh was "Amelia."
[Exit.]
AMELIA. His last sigh was Amelia! No, thou art no impostor. It is too true—true—he is dead—dead! (staggering to and fro till she sinks down)—dead—Charles is dead!
FRANCIS. What do I see? What is this line on the sword?—written with blood—Amelia!
AMELIA. By him?
FRANCIS. Do I see clearly, or am I dreaming? Behold, in characters of blood, "Francis, forsake not my Amelia." And on the other side, "Amelia, all-powerful death has released thee from thy oath." Now do you see—do you see? With hand stiffening in death he wrote it, with his warm life's blood he wrote it—wrote it on the solemn brink of eternity. His spirit lingered in his flight to unite Francis and Amelia.
AMELIA. Gracious heaven! it is his own hand. He never loved me.
[Rushes off]
FRANCIS (stamping the ground). Confusion! her stubborn heart foils all my cunning!
OLD MOOR. Woe, woe! forsake me not, my daughter! Francis, Francis! give me back my son!