And points the deadly chalice!"

Count. Ha! even so!

Countess. Sometimes he'd seize my hands, and grasp them close,

And strain them to his hollow, burning eyes;

Then falter out, "I am, I am a villain!

Mild angel, pray for me;—stir not, my child;

It comes again;—oh, do not leave my side."

At last, quite spent with mortal agonies,

His soul went forth—and Heaven have mercy on him!

Count. Enough! Thy tale has almost iced my blood.