• SOUTHERN'S TRAGEDY.

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propose it, when she found his fixed resolution, and, on her knees, besought him not to leave her a prey to his enemies. He, grieved to death, yet pleased at her noble resolution, took her up, and, embracing her with all the passion and languishment of a dying lover, drew his knife to kill this treasure of his soul, this pleasure of his eyes; while tears trickled down his cheeks, hers were smiling with joy she should die by so noble a hand, and be sent into her own country (for that is their notion of the next world) by him she so tenderly loved in this."

[We subjoin a portion of the corresponding scene in Southern's tragedy, where, however, the dénouement is differently managed:

Imoinde. Thus, with open arms,

I welcome you and death.

[Oroonoko drops his dagger as he looks on her,
and throws himself on the ground.

Oroonoko. I cannot bear it.

Oh, let me dash against this rock of fate,
Dig up this earth, tear, tear her bowels out,
To make a grave, deep as the centre down,
To swallow wide, and bury us together!
It will not be! Oh! then some pitying god.
(If there be one a friend to innocence)

Find yet a way to lay her beauties down

Gently in death, and save me from her blood!

Imo. Oh rise! 'tis more than death to see you thus,
I'll ease your love, and do the deed myself.

[She takes up the dagger; he rises in haste
to take it from her.

Oro. Oh! hold, I charge thee, hold!
Imo. Though I must own,

It would be nobler for us both from you.

Oro. Oh! for a whirlwind's wing to hurry us
To yonder cliff, which frowns upon the flood;
That in embraces lock'd we might plunge in,
And perish thus in one another's arms!

Oro. So fate must be by this.

[Going to stab her, he stops short; she lays her
hand on his, in order to give the blow.

Imo. Nay, then, I must assist you;
And since it is the common cause of both,
'Tis just that both should be employed in it.
Thus, thus, 'tis finish'd, and I bless my fate,

ELIZABETH INCH BALD.

BORN A.D. 1753; DIED AUGUST 1, 1821.

THE

Selection.

QUARREL.