32 LITERATURE AND DRAMA 



Again the maidens speak their doubt, but when Lichas enters 

 her one idea is to put the charm to proof instantly, and he re- 

 ceives the casket with her instructions, anxious, poor man, 

 in all his best to undo the sad work done. Take her last speech 

 to him, and think of the mingled woe and hope that blend 



in it. 



What more is there to tell 1 But rash I fear 

 Were thy report of longing on my part, 

 Till we can learn if we are longed for there. 



Another act is over, and another lyrical interlude gives the 

 audience time to breathe before the end. For end it is of the 

 woman's tragedy. The young things sing of Heracles' triumph, 

 ending with a doubtful hymn of hope. Then Deianira returns. 



Oh, what a change ! No more beauty now no more youth 

 no more hope. Fever-stricken, death-marked, yet queenly, 

 graceful, noble still, even as she totters, seeing but dimly. A 

 little flock of wool, with which the fatal robe had been mois- 

 tened, when the sun fell upon it, shrivelled away out of sight 

 before Deianira's eyes, and a clot of blood came where it lay. 

 She has seen this, and now comes partly to tell and partly to 

 clear her swimming thoughts. Conviction is really burnt in 

 upon her ; you see with the first glance that the woman's life 

 is at an end. Yet in this last agony she writhes against con- 

 viction, though every thought, every fact, turns upon her and 

 convicts her. 



For wherefore should the Centaur, for what end, 



Show kindness to the cause for whom he died ? 



This cannot be. But seeking to destroy 



His slayer, he cajoled me. This I learn 



Too late by sad experience, for no good. 



And if I err not now, my hapless fate 



Is all alone to be his murderess. 



Some of our readers may have heard Rachel tell the dream in 

 the fourth act of Ponsard's ' Lucrece.' These may know how 

 Deianira looks when telling of this simple bit of wool plucked 

 from the household flock. 



The iron proofs brand Deianira as a murderess, and she has 

 but one word. Her life must i follow at a bound.' Hearing 



