_Her._ Come, be friendly; Relate me some, to while away our watch: I've heard thee darkly speak of an event Which happened hereabouts, by this same tower. _Manuel._ That was a night indeed! I do remember 'Twas twilight, as it may be now, and such Another evening;--yon red cloud, which rests On Eigher's pinnacle, so rested then,-- So like that it might be the same; the wind Was faint and gusty, and the mountain snows Began to glitter with the climbing moon; Count Manfred was, as now, within his tower,-- How occupied, we knew not, but with him The sole companion of his wanderings And watchings--her, whom of all earthly things That lived, the only thing he seemed to love,-- As he, indeed, by blood was bound to do, The lady Astarte, his-- _Her._ Look--look--the tower-- The tower's on fire. Oh, heavens and earth! what sound, What dreadful sound is that? [_A crash like thunder._ _Manuel._ Help, help, there!--to the rescue of the Count,-- The Count's in danger,--what ho! there! approach! _The Servants, Vassals, and Peasantry approach, stupified with terror._ If there be any of you who have heart And love of human kind, and will to aid Those in distress--pause not--but follow me-- The portal's open, follow. [MANUEL _goes in._ _Her._ Come--who follows? What, none of ye?--ye recreants! shiver then Without. I will not see old Manuel risk His few remaining years unaided. [HERMAN _goes in._ _Vassal._ Hark!-- No--all is silent--not a breath--the flame Which shot forth such a blaze is also gone; What may this mean? Let's enter! _Peasant._ Faith, not I,-- Not that, if one, or two, or more, will join, I then will stay behind; but, for my part, I do not see precisely to what end. _Vassal._ Cease your vain prating--come. _Manuel._ (_speaking within._) 'Tis all in vain-- He's dead. _Her._ (_within._) Not so--even now methought he moved; But it is dark--so bear him gently out-- Softly--how cold he is! take care of his temples In winding down the staircase. _Re-enter_ MANUEL _and_ HERMAN, _bearing_ MANFRED _in their arms._ _Manuel._ Hie to the castle, some of ye, and bring What aid you can. Saddle the barb, and speed For the leech to the city--quick! some water there! _Her._ His cheek is black--but there is a faint beat Still lingering about the heart. Some water. [_They sprinkle_ MANFRED _with water; after a pause, he gives some signs of life._ _Manuel._ He seems to strive to speak--come--cheerly, Count! He moves his lips--canst hear him? I am old, And cannot catch faint sounds. [HERMAN _inclining his head and listening._ _Her._ I hear a word Or two--but indistinctly--what is next? What's to be done? let's bear him to the castle. [MANFRED _motions with his hand not to remove him._