The Bride of Messina, and On the Use of the Chorus in Tragedy

DON CAESAR. Her image looks From thine, and wondrous in my bosom wakes Affection's springs.

DON MANUEL. And is it thou?--that smile Benignant on thy face?--thy lips that charm With gracious sounds of love and dear forgiveness?

DON CAESAR. Is this my brother, this the hated foe? His mien all gentleness and truth, his voice, Whose soft prevailing accents breathe of friendship!

[After a pause.

DON MANUEL. Shall aught divide us?

DON CAESAR. We are one forever!

[They rush into each other's arms.

First CHORUS (to the Second).

Why stand we thus, and coldly gaze, While Nature's holy transports burn? No dear embrace of happier days The pledge--that discord never shall return! Brothers are they by kindred band; We own the ties of home and native land.

[Both CHORUSES embrace.

A MESSENGER enters.

Second CHORUS to DON CAESAR (BOHEMUND). Rejoice, my prince, thy messenger returns And mark t