How shall one move an ocean with regret?
(He has reached the steps and pauses.)
Ah, one hope lives in all this bleakness yet.
Song!—Mighty Song the hurt of life assuages!
This fateful night shall fill the vaulted ages
With starry grief, and men unborn shall sing
The mournful measure of the Ancient King!
I’ll write an ode!
(He stands for a moment, glorified with the thought.)
Great heart of Nero, strung