Felicia Hemans

“ And we will pray.
⁠GONZAGO.
⁠Oh Heaven! that I could leave
Your hearts one ray of hope! There is no ear,
No place for prayers. The judges here are deaf,
Implacable, unknown. The thunderbolt
Falls heavy, and the hand by which 'tis launched
Is veiled in clouds. There is one comfort still,
The sole sad comfort of a parting hour,
I come to bear. Ye may behold him yet.
The moments fly. Arouse your strength of heart.
Oh! fearful is the trial, but the God
Of mourners will be with you.
⁠MATILDA.
⁠Is there not
One hope?
⁠ANTONIETTA.
⁠Alas! ”

“ That he to whom thou bear'st the gift, whate'er
His race, may boast it proudly. What a mark
For envy is the glory of our lot!
And we should weigh its joys against these hours
Of fear and sorrow.
⁠MATILDA.
⁠They are passed e'en now.
Hark! 'twas the sound of oars!—it swells,—'tis hushed!
The gates unclose—O mother! I behold
A warrior clad in mail—he comes—'tis he!
⁠ANTONIETTA.
Whom should it be, if not himself?
⁠—My husband! (she comes forward) .
⁠Enter Gonzago, and others.
⁠ANTONIETTA.
Gonzago!—where is he we looked for? Where? ”

“ He was a father, and a husband too.
But when their eyes behold the agony
One word of theirs hath caused, their hearts will melt;
They will, they must revoke it. Oh! the sight
Of mortal woe is terrible to man! ”

“ The following scenes, distinguished by a simple pathos, which can be considered no usual characteristic of the brilliant and stately Italian muse, form the conclusion of Manzoni's celebrated tragedy. His hero, Carmagnola, the victorious general of the Venetian republic, becomes an object of suspicion to its jealous rulers, and is summoned before the Doge and Council, on pretence of recompensing his services with higher honours than have yet been awarded. ”