_BEVERLEY is discovered sitting. After a short pause, he starts up,
and comes forward._
_Bev._ Why, there's an end then. I have judged deliberately, and the
result is death. How the self-murderer's account may stand, I know
not. But this I know; the load of hateful life oppresses me too
much. The horrors of my soul are more than I can bear--(_Offers to
kneel_) Father of mercy!--I cannot pray--Despair has laid his iron
hand upon me, and sealed me for perdition--Conscience! conscience!
thy clamours are too loud--Here's that shall silence them. (_Takes a
vial out of his pocket, and looks at it._) Thou art most friendly to
the miserable. Come then, thou cordial for sick minds! come to my
heart! (_Drinks_) O, that the grave would bury memory as well as
body! For if the soul sees and feels the sufferings of those dear
ones it leaves behind, the EVERLASTING has no vengeance to torment
it deeper--I'll think no more on't--Reflection comes too late. Once
there was a time for't--but now 'tis past--Who's there?