• SOUTHERN'S TRAGEDY. 297 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, Oroonoko. I cannot bear it. Oh, let me dash against this rock of fate, 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, [She takes up the dagger; he rises in haste Oro. Oh! hold, I charge thee, hold! It would be nobler for us both from you. Oro. Oh! for a whirlwind's wing to hurry us |