CR. Tell us, how ended she her life in blood?
2ND MESS. Wounding herself to the heart, when she had heard
The loud lamented death of Haemon here.
CR. O me! This crime can come
On no man else, exempting me.
I slew thee—I, O misery!
I say the truth, ’twas I! My followers,
Take me with speed—take me away, away!
Me, who am nothing now.
[page 40][1326-1353] CH. Thou sayest the best, if there be best in woe.
Briefest is happiest in calamity.
CR. Ah! let it come,II 2
The day, most welcome of all days to me,
That brings the consummation of my doom.
Come! Come! I would not see another sun.
CH. Time will determine that. We must attend
To present needs. Fate works her own dread work.
CR. All my desire was gathered in my prayer.
CH. But prayer is bootless. For to mortal men
There is no saviour from appointed woe.
CR. Take me away, the vain-proud man that slew
Thee, O my son! unwittingly,—and thee!
Me miserable, which way shall I turn,
Which look upon? Since all that I can touch
Is falling,—falling,—round me, and o’erhead
Intolerable destiny descends.
LEADER OF CHORUS.