into the future, say it:
I shall not love thee less; nay, perhaps more,
For yielding to thy nature: and there's time
Yet for thee to escape hence.

_Myr._ Shall I light
One of the torches which lie heaped beneath
The ever-burning lamp that burns without, 420
Before Baal's shrine, in the adjoining hall?

_Sar._ Do so. Is that thy answer?

_Myr._ Thou shalt see.
[_Exit_ MYRRHA.

_Sar._ (_solus_). She's firm. My fathers! whom I will rejoin,
It may be, purified by death from some
Of the gross stains of too material being,
I would not leave your ancient first abode
To the defilement of usurping bondmen;
If I have not kept your inheritance
As ye bequeathed it, this bright part of it,
Your treasure--your abode--your sacred relics 430
Of arms, and records--monuments, and spoils,
In which _they_ would have revelled, I bear with me
To you in that absorbing element,
Which most personifies the soul as leaving
The least of matter unconsumed before
Its fiery workings:--and the light of this
Most royal of funereal pyres shall be[aq]
Not a mere pillar formed of cloud and flame,
A beacon in the horizon for a day,
And then a mount of ashes--but a light[ar] 440
To lesson ages, rebel nations, and
Voluptuous princes. Time shall quench full many
A people's records, and a hero's acts;
Sweep empire after empire, like this first
Of empires, into nothing; but even then
Shall spare this deed of mine, and hold it up
A problem few dare imitate, and none
Despise--but, it may be, avoid the life
Which led to such a consummation.

MYRRHA _returns with a lighted Torch in one Hand,
and a Cup in the other_.

_Myr._ Lo!
I've lit the lamp which lights us to the stars. 450

_Sar._ And the cup?

_Myr._ 'Tis my country's custom to
Make a libation to the Gods.

_Sar._ And mine
To make libations amongst men. I've not
Forgot the custom; and although alone,
Will drain one draught in memory of many
A joyous banquet past.

[SARDANAPALUS _takes the c