Countess. You think
More worthily of me, than to believe
I would survive the downfall of my house.
We did not hold ourselves too mean to grasp
After a monarch's crown—the crown did fate 45
Deny, but not the feeling and the spirit
That to the crown belong! We deem a
Courageous death more worthy of our free station
Than a dishonoured life.—I have taken poison.

Octavio. Help! Help! Support her!

Countess. Nay, it is too late. [50]
[[811]] In a few moments is my fate accomplished. [Exit Countess.

Gordon. O house of death and horrors!

[An officer enters, and brings a letter with the great seal.

Gordon (steps forward and meets him). What is this?
It is the Imperial Seal.

[He reads the Address, and delivers the letter to Octavio with a look of reproach, and with an emphasis on the word.

To the Prince Piccolomini.

[Octavio, with his whole frame expressive of sudden anguish, raises his eyes to heaven.

(The curtain drops.)