_Sal._ Hear me, sister, like _My_ sister:--all's prepared to make your safety Certain, and of the boys too, our last hopes; 370 'Tis not a single question of mere feeling, Though that were much--but 'tis a point of state: The rebels would do more to seize upon The offspring of their sovereign, and so crush---- _Zar._ Ah! do not name it. _Sal._ Well, then, mark me: when They are safe beyond the Median's grasp, the rebels Have missed their chief aim--the extinction of The line of Nimrod. Though the present King Fall, his sons live--for victory and vengeance. _Zar._ But could not I remain, alone? _Sal._ What! leave 380 Your children, with two parents and yet orphans-- In a strange land--so young, so distant? _Zar._ No-- My heart will break. _Sal._ Now you know all--decide. _Sar._ Zarina, he hath spoken well, and we Must yield awhile to this necessity. Remaining here, you may lose all; departing, You save the better part of what is left, To both of us, and to such loyal hearts As yet beat in these kingdoms. _Sal._ The time presses. _Sar._ Go, then. If e'er we meet again, perhaps 390 I may be worthier of you--and, if not, Remember that my faults, though not atoned for, Are _ended_. Yet, I dread thy nature will Grieve more above the blighted name and ashes Which once were mightiest in Assyria--than---- But I grow womanish again, and must not; I must learn sternness now. My sins have all Been of the softer order----_hide_ thy tears-- I do not bid thee _not_ to shed them--'twere Easier to stop Euphrates at its source 400 Than one tear of a true and tender heart-- But let me not behold them; they unman me Here when I had remanned myself. My brother, Lead her away. _Zar._ Oh, God! I never shall Behold him more! _Sal._ (_striving to conduct her_). Nay, sister, I _must_ be obeyed. _Zar._ I must remain--away! you shall not hold me. What, shall he die alone?--_I_ live alone? _Sal._ He shall _not die alone_; but lonely you Have lived for years. _Zar._ That's false! I knew _he_ lived, And lived upon his image--let me go! 410 _Sal._ (_conducting her off the stage_). Nay, then, I must use some fraternal force, Which you will pardon. _Zar._ Never. Help me! Oh! Sardanapalus, wilt thou thus behold me Torn from thee? _Sal._ Nay--then all is lost again, If that this moment is not gained.