bles.--I am giddy.[125]

_C. Hun_. I must approach him cautiously; if near, 90
A sudden step will startle him, and he
Seems tottering already.

_Man_. Mountains have fallen,
Leaving a gap in the clouds, and with the shock
Rocking their Alpine brethren; filling up
The ripe green valleys with Destruction's splinters;
Damming the rivers with a sudden dash,
Which crushed the waters into mist, and made
Their fountains find another channel--thus,
Thus, in its old age, did Mount Rosenberg--[126]
Why stood I not beneath it?

_C. Hun_. Friend! have a care, 100
Your next step may be fatal!--for the love
Of Him who made you, stand not on that brink!

_Man_. (_not hearing him_).
Such would have been for me a fitting tomb;
My bones had then been quiet in their depth;
They had not then been strewn upon the rocks
For the wind's pastime--as thus--thus they shall be--
In this one plunge.--Farewell, ye opening Heavens!
Look not upon me thus reproachfully--
You were not meant for me--Earth! take these atoms!

[_As_ MANFRED _is in act to spring from the cliff, the_
CHAMOIS HUNTER _seizes and retains him with a sudden grasp._

_C. Hun_. Hold, madman!--though aweary of thy life, 110
Stain not our pure vales with thy guilty blood:
Away with me----I will not quit my hold.

_Man_. I am most sick at heart--nay, grasp me not--
I am all feebleness--the mountains whirl
Spinning around me----I grow blind----What art thou?

_C. Hun_. I'll answer that anon.--Away with me----
The clouds grow thicker----there--now lean on me--
Place your foot here--here, take this staff, and cling
A moment to that shrub--now give me your hand,
And hold fast by my girdle--softly--well-- 120
The Chalet will be gained within an hour:
Come on, we'll quickly find a surer footing,
And something like a pathway, which the torrent
Hath washed since winter.--Come,'tis bravely done--
You should have been a hunter.--Follow me.

[_As they descend the rocks with difficulty, the scene closes._

ACT II.

SCENE I.--_A Cottage among the Bernese Alps_.--
MANFRED _and the_ CHAMOIS HUNTER.

_C. Hun_. No--no-