Than father? Silent still?

MARIE.

Ah, God MAZEPPA.

Well, answer me!

MARIE.

Reply thyself!

MAZEPPA.

Suppose, thou must pronounce the wor

Which of us, thy sire or I, should die?

Whom wouldst thou doom to condign fate,

Whom wouldst chou save from sentenced death?

MARIE.

Oh! cease! Tear not my heart in twain!

Why play the tempter's part?

MAZEPPA. -

Reply!

MARIE.

Thou art all pale; thy speech is harsh;

Look not so fierce! All, all, I am

Prepared to give. Believe, I lie not;

Though thus to speak is still a crime!

Enough!

MAZEPPA. - Remember well, Marie,

The words thou hast so freely spoke.

Calm and soft is the Ukraine night.

No cloud to dull the wide expanse;

The stars are shining full and bright;

No breeze to wake the drowsy dream,

Nor scarce a breath that cares to fret

The sleep of silver-poplar leaves.

On town and Hetman s gardens gay,

And on the hoary castle-tower

The moon her tranquil light unveils.

And all around is hushed and still,

But all within is noise and haste;

Near lattice window in the tower,

Deep sunk in grief and gloomy thought,

Sits Kotzubei, bound in chains,

Watching the peaceful sky above.