Feel they are sunk, and what they might have been, Of their high nature. Mayst thou hear that voice, Go thou thy way of life as I go mine. (Amasis descends; the crowd everywhere make way My countrymen! the work is done, and great Lo! how that man doth pass through ye, unharmed, One universal feeling rules through all: As ye to yours; to dwell upon the past, And thank the gods on our domestic hearths. THE PEOPLE (pressing round him, with acclamation). Yoke him a car-let him not touch the earth! PROMETHEUS. The work is done for which I entered Memphis: Have ye forgot your oaths?-doth it become Her decencies, although in triumph! Lead me, Then take ye my last blessing, while I go (The multitudes form in procession with Prometheus, crowning him with flowers, and singing triumphant hymns-Memphians, Ethiopians, &c., remaining behind in groupes.) NUBIAN. He goes-and with a step as self-possessed, As if the solid world were but as dust Beneath his feet; and men and kings the toys MEMPHIAN. He must descend To suffrage like the rest-his own decree; Would all were mine-or death or banishment! EGYPTIAN. And mine! VARIOUS VOICES. And all! SEGED. Why wouldst thou banish him? NUBIAN. And who art thou who look'st on us as if SEGED. I saw your natures through-'tis even so. NUBIAN. Because he is Too great-too good: he makes us feel we are SEGED. 'Tis just 'tis ever so: thus hath it been, MEMPHIAN. 'Tis the grey Seged-he is soured with time. And disappointment: heed not-let him pass. NUBIANS, ETC. Long life to Amasis, and to the priesthood! (Exeunt.) SCENE VI. "I have touched the highest point of all my greatness; And from that full meridian of my glory I haste now to my setting. I shall fall Like a bright exhalation in the evening, And no man see me more." "Oh let not Virtue seek Remuneration for the thing it was." SHAKESPEARE. |