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THE ROBBERS.
177

Switzer.

(Approaches with respect, and throws himself at the old man's feet.) Father of my Captain! I kiss your feet.—I draw this dagger, and I here devote it to thy service!

Moor.

Revenge! revenge! revenge—this violated, profaned, this hoary head!—Here I tear for ever the fraternal bond. (He rends his coat from top to bottom.) Here, in the face of heaven, I curse him! curse every drop of blood within him!——Hear me, O moon and stars! and thou black canopy of night, that witnessest this horror! hear my cries! Hear me, O God! thrice-terrible avenger—thou who reign'st above yon pallid orb—and judgement doom'st, and dart'st thy fiery bolts through darkness—behold me raise this hand aloft! and hear my oath! May nature curse me! expel me, like some horrible abortion, from out the circle of her works—if here, upon this stone, I do not shed that parricide's blood—till the foul vapour from the fountain of his heart rise into air, and dim the blessed sun! (Rises from his knees.)

Z
Robbers.