Alas,
Thou destroyest me!

The Chorus

How?

Merope

Whispering hope of a life
Which no stranger unknown,
But the faithful servant and nurse,
Whose tears warrant his truth,
Bears sad witness is lost.

The Chorus

ant. 1
Wheresoe'er men are, there is grief.
In a thousand countries, a thousand
Homes, e'en now is there wail;
Mothers lamenting their sons.

Merope

Yes——

The Chorus