Despair!

_Sar._ No; not despair precisely. When we know
All that can come, and how to meet it, our
Resolves, if firm, may merit a more noble
Word than this is to give it utterance.
But what are words to us? we have well nigh done
With them and all things.

_Myr._ Save _one deed_--the last
And greatest to all mortals; crowning act
Of all that was, or is, or is to be-- 230
The only thing common to all mankind,
So different in their births, tongues, sexes, natures,
Hues, features, climes, times, feelings, intellects,[ao]
Without one point of union save in this--
To which we tend, for which we're born, and thread
The labyrinth of mystery, called life.

_Sar._ Our clue being well nigh wound out, let's be cheerful.
They who have nothing more to fear may well
Indulge a smile at that which once appalled;
As children at discovered bugbears.

_Re-enter_ PANIA.

_Pan._ 'Tis 240
As was reported: I have ordered there
A double guard, withdrawing from the wall,
Where it was strongest, the required addition
To watch the breach occasioned by the waters.

_Sar._ You have done your duty faithfully, and as
My worthy Pania! further ties between us
Draw near a close--I pray you take this key:
[_Gives a key_.
It opens to a secret chamber, placed
Behind the couch in my own chamber--(Now
Pressed by a nobler weight than e'er it bore-- 250
Though a long line of sovereigns have lain down
Along its golden frame--as bearing for
A time what late was Salemenes.)--Search
The secret covert to which this will lead you;
'Tis full of treasure;[30] take it for yourself
And your companions:[ap] there's enough to load ye,
Though ye be many. Let the slaves be freed, too;
And all the inmates of the palace, of
Whatever sex, now quit it in an hour.
Thence launch the regal barks, once formed for pleasure, 260
And now to serve for safety, and embark.
The river's broad and swoln, and uncommanded,
(More potent than a king) by these besiegers.
Fly! and be happy!

_Pan._ Under your protection!
So you accompany your faithful g