ers pinion'd on the torturing wheel,
And the stanch Furies' never-silent scourge.
And bid the chief tormentors there provide
For a grand culprit shortly coming down.
Go thou the first, and usher in thy lord!
A more just stroke than that thou gav'st my son
Take----

[MEROPE _advances towards the sleeping_ AEPYTUS,
_with the axe uplifted. At the same moment_ ARCAS
_re-enters._

_Arcas_ (_to the Chorus_)

Not with him to council did the King
Carry his messenger, but left him here.

[_Sees_ MEROPE _and_ AEpytus.

O Gods!...

_Merope_

Foolish old man, thou spoil'st my blow!

_Arcas_

What do I see?...

_Merope_

A murderer at death's door.
Therefore no words!

_Arcas_

A murderer?...

_Merope_

And a captive
To the dear next-of-kin of him he murder'd.
Stand, and let vengeance pass!

_Arcas_

Hold, O Queen, hold!
Thou know'st not whom thou strik'st....

_Merope_

I know his crime.

_Arcas_

Unhappy one! thou strik'st----

_Merope_

A most just blow.

_Arcas_

No, by the Gods, thou slay'st----

_Merope_

Stand off!

_Arcas_

Thy son!

_Merope_

Ah!...

[_She lets the axe drop, and falls insensible._

_AEpytus_ (_awaking_)

Who are these? What shrill, ear-piercing scream
Wakes me thus kindly from the perilous sleep
Wherewith fatigue and youth had bound mine eyes,
Even in the deadly palace of my foe?--
Arcas! Thou here?

_Arcas_ (_embracing him_)

O my dear master! O
My child, my charge beloved, welcome to life!
As dead we held thee, mourn'd for thee as dead.

_AEpytus_

In word I died, that I in deed might live.
But who are these?

_Arcas_

Messenian maidens, friends.

_AEpytus_

And, Arcas!--but I tremble!

_Arcas_

Boldly ask.

_AEpytus_

That black-robed, swooning figure?...

_Arcas_

Merope.

_AEpytus_

O mother! mother!

_Merope_

Who upbraid