COUNTESS (re-assembles all her powers, and speaks with energy and dignity).
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
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 dishonor'd life.—I have taken poison.
OCTAVIO.
Help! Help! Support her!
COUNTESS.
Nay, it is too late,
In a few moments is my fate accomplish'd.
[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.]