Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/184

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
182
COUNT BASIL: A TRAGEDY.


1st Sol. We heard it, and it seem'd to come from hence,
Which made us this way hie.

Ros. A horrid fancy darts across my mind.
(A groan heard from the cave.)
(to Valt.) Ha! heardst thou that?

Valt. Methinks it is the groan of one in pain.
(A second groan.)

Ros. Ha! there again!

Valt. From this cave's mouth, so dark and choak'd with weeds,
It seems to come.

Ros.I'll enter first.

1st Off. My Lord, the way is tangled o'er with briers;
Hard by, a few short paces to the left,
There is another mouth of easier access;
I pass'd it even now.

Ros. Then shew the way.[Exeunt.



SCENE III.

The Inside of the Cave; Basil discovered lying on the ground, with his head raised a little upon a few stones and earth; the pistols lying beside him, and blood upon his breast. Enter Rosinberg, Valtomer, and Officers. Rosinberg, upon seeing Basil, stops short with horrour, and remains motionless for some time.

Valt. Great God of heav'n! what a sight is this?
(Rosinberg runs to Basil, and stoops down by his side.)