Ion. I swear. Thou mayst trust me.
Zuleika. Yet once again. Breathe not to mortal ear the means by which thou sought'st thy sire, and let the memory of this hour fade from thy heart forever. [Ion bows assent.] What pledge have I of thy secrecy, and of thy truth?
Ion. The word of a Greek is sacred, and were not my gratitude my surest pledge to thee?
Zuleika. Pardon, I do trust. Now haste thee.
Ion [pointing to his fetters]. Thou dost forget I am a prisoner still.
Zuleika. Hassan, unloose these fetters, and give the Greek his freedom. [Hassan takes off the chains; Ion springs joyfully forward.]
Ion. Now am I free again, and with the Turk's base fetters have I cast off my fears and my despair. Hope smiles upon me, and my father calls. Oh, let us tarry not.
Zuleika [folding a dark mantle round him]. Thus shrouded, in safety thou mayst reach his cell; this ring will spare thee question. Hassan will guide thee, and I—will pray for thy success. Farewell! May Allah aid thee!
Ion. Lady, though I may never know thee, never look on thee again, the memory of this brief hour will never fade. The blessed gift of mercy thou dost bestow will I ever treasure with the deepest gratitude, and my fervent prayer that all Heaven's blessings may rest upon thee cease but with my life [falls on his knee and kisses her hand]. Pardon,—'tis my only thanks. Spirit of mercy, farewell! farewell! [Follows Hassan; Zuleika gazes after him, then sinks down weeping.]
CURTAIN.