[164] The remainder of the act in its original shape, ran thus-- _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 stupifed 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 10 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 but, 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; 20 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, 30 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_. _Manuel_. He disapproves--and 'twere of no avail-- He changes rapidly. _Her_. 'Twill soon be over.