2d Sol. Ah! had you staid with us, my noble gen'ral,
We would have died for you.
(3d Soldier endeavours next to speak, but cannot; and kneeling down by Basil, covers his face with his cloak. Rosinberg turns his face to the wall and weeps.)
Bas. (In a very faint, broken voice.) Where art thou?—do not leave me, Rosinberg—
Come near to me—these fellows make me weep—
I have no power to weep—give me thy hand—
I love to feel thy grasp—my heartbeats strangely—
It beats as tho' its breathings would be few—
Remember—
Ros. Is there aught thou wouldst desire?
Bas. Nought but a little earth to cover me,
And lay the smooth sod even with the ground—
Let no stone mark the spot—give no offence
I fain would say—what can I say to thee?
(A deep pause; after a feeble struggle, Basil expires.)
1st Sol. That motion was his last.
2d Sol.His spirit's fled.
1st Sol. God grant it peace! it was a noble spirit!
4th Sol. The trumpet's sound did never rouse a braver.
1st Sol. Alas! no trumpet e'er shall rouse him more.
Until the dreadful blast that wakes the dead;
