GEORGE CANNING AND GEORGE ELLIS.
Reading edition
SONG BY ROGERO.
(German Tragedy)
Whene'er with haggard eyes I view This dungeon that I'm rotting in, I think of those companions true Who studied with me at the U- -niversity of Gottingen— -niversity of Gottingen.
[Weeps, and pulls out a blue 'kerchief, with which he wipes his eyes; gazing tenderly at it, he proceeds.]
Sweet 'kerchief, check'd with heavenly blue, Which once my love sat knotting in, Alas, Matilda then was true, At least I thought so at the U- -niversity of Gottingen— -niversity of Gottingen.
[At the repetition of this line Rogero clanks his chains in cadence.]
Barbs! barbs! alas! how swift you flew, Her neat post-waggon trotting in! Ye bore Matilda from my view; Forlorn I languish'd at the U- -niversity of Gottingen— -niversity of Gottingen. This faded form! this pallid hue! This blood my veins is clotting in! My years are many—They were few When first I enter'd at the U- -niversity of Gottingen— -niversity of Gottingen. There first for thee my passion grew, Sweet! sweet Matilda Pottingen! Thou wast the daughter of my tu- -tor, Law Professor at the U- -niversity of Gottingen— -niversity of Gottingen. Sun, moon, and thou vain world, adieu, That kings and priests are plotting in; Here doom'd to starve on water gru- -el never shall I see the U- -niversity of Gottingen!— -niversity of Gottingen!
[During the last stanza Rogero dashes his head repeatedly against the walls of his prison, and, finally, so hard as to produce a visible contusion. He then throws himself on the floor in an agony. The curtain drops—the music still continuing to play, till it is wholly fallen.]