she denounces him. In the final
scene occurs another wonderful touch of nature, a touch which reminds
one of Desdemona's "Nobody: I myself," in its divine and adorable
self-sacrifice of truth. Learning what Anael has done, Djabal is about
to confess his imposture to the people, who are still under his
fascination, when Anael, all her old love (not her old belief) returning
upon her, cries with her last breath, "HAKEEM!" and dies upon the word.
The Druses grovel before him; as he still hesitates, the trumpet of his
Venetian allies sounds. Turning to Khalil, Anael's brother, he bids him
take his place and lead the people home, accompanied and guarded by
Loys. "We follow!" cry the Druses, "now exalt thyself!"

"_Dja._ [_bends over_ ANAEL.] And last to thee!
Ah, did I dream I was to have, this day,
Exalted thee? A vain dream--has thou not
Won greater exaltation? What remains
But press to thee, exalt myself to thee?
Thus I exalt myself, set free my soul!

[_He stabs himself; as he falls, supported by_ KHALIL _and_ LOYS, _the
Venetians enter: the_ ADMIRAL _advances_.

_Admiral_. God and St. Mark for Venice! Plant the Lion!

[_At the clash of the planted standard, the Druses shout and move
tumultuously forward_, LOYS, _drawing his sword_.

_Dja._ [_leading them a few steps between_ KHALIL _and_ LOYS.] On to the
Mountain! At the Mountain, Druses! [_Dies_.]"

This superb last scene shows how well Browning is able, when he likes,
to render the tumultuous action of a clashing crowd of persons and
interests. The whole fourth and fifth acts are specially fine; every
word comes from the heart, every line is pregnant with emotion.

9. A BLOT IN THE 'SCUTCHEON: A Tragedy in Three Acts.

[Published in 1843 as No. V. of _Bells and Pomegranates_,
written in five days (_Poetical Works_, 1889, Vol. IV., pp.
1-70). Played originally at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane,
February 11, 1843 (_Mildred_, Miss Helen Faucit; _Lord
Tresham_, Mr. Phelps). Revived by Mr. Phelps at Sadler's
Wells, November 27, 1848; played at Boston, U.S., March 16,
1885, under the management of Mr. Lawrence Barrett, who took
the part of _Lord Tresham_; at St. George's Hall, London, May
2, 1885, and at the Olympic Theatre, March 15, 1888, by the
Browning Society; and by the Independent Theatre at the Opera
Comique, June 15, 1893. The action takes place during two
days.]

_