_ Gentle Myrrha, 'tis
The end I would have chosen, had I saved
The monarch or the monarchy by this;
As 'tis, I have not outlived them.
The end I would have chosen, had I saved
The monarch or the monarchy by this;
As 'tis, I have not outlived them.
Byron
_Sal. _ Fly, then, and tell him, 'twas my last request
That Zames take my post until the junction,
So hoped for, yet delayed, of Ofratanes,
Satrap of Susa. Leave me here: our troops
Are not so numerous as to spare your absence.
_Sol. _ But Prince----
_Sal. _ Hence, I say! Here's a courtier and
A woman, the best chamber company.
As you would not permit me to expire 120
Upon the field, I'll have no idle soldiers
About my sick couch. Hence! and do my bidding!
[_Exeunt the Soldiers_.
_Myr. _ Gallant and glorious Spirit! must the earth
So soon resign thee?
_Sal.
_ Gentle Myrrha, 'tis
The end I would have chosen, had I saved
The monarch or the monarchy by this;
As 'tis, I have not outlived them.
_Myr. _ You wax paler.
_Sal. _ Your hand; this broken weapon but prolongs
My pangs, without sustaining life enough
To make me useful: I would draw it forth 130
And my life with it, could I but hear how
The fight goes.
_Enter_ SARDANAPALUS _and Soldiers_.
_Sar. _ My best brother!
_Sal. _ And the battle
Is lost?
_Sar. _ (_despondingly_). You see _me here_.
_Sal. _ I'd rather see you _thus! _
[_He draws out the weapon from the wound, and dies_.
