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CONSTANTINE PALEOLOGUS;


PRIEST.

Nay, do not weep, good Heugho;

For they shall in that blessed place be join'd
Where great and good men meet.—But I must haste
To give my brethren notice.(Exit.

Enter Constantine, with Othus, Rodrigo, Justiniani, and others of his friends, who walk with solemn steps and bareheaded towards the front of the stage, the great bell sounding for the last time as they advance. Constantine then stops and stretching out his arm as if he wished to speak, they all gather respectfully round him.

CONSTANTINE.

My friends, there greatly presses on my heart

Somewhat I've much desir'd to say to you,
If a full heart will grant me so much voice.

OTHUS.

Then speak it, royal sire, we all attend

With ears of love and most profound respect.

CONSTANTINE.

Thus station'd on a dark and awful verge,

In company with you, my noble friends,
I have desired, in this solemn act,
To make my peace with God. But, on my soul,