For the last time I hear it; For the last time on earth, but not the last.
To death it bids defiance and to torture.
It sounds to me as from another world, And makes the petty miseries of this Seem unto me as naught, and less than naught.
Farewell, my Avilan; nay, I should say Welcome, my Avilan; for I am dead Before thee.

I am waiting for the others.
Why do they linger?
FOURTH VOICE (within).
It is good, O King, Being put to death by men, to look for hope From God, to be raised up again by him.
But thou--no resurrection shalt thou have To life hereafter.
THE MOTHER.
Four! already four! Three are still living; nay, they all are living, Half here, half there.

Make haste, Antiochus, To reunite us; for the sword that cleaves These miserable bodies makes a door Through which our souls, impatient of release, Rush to each other's arms.
FIFTH VOICE (within).
Thou hast the power; Thou doest what thou wilt.

Abide awhile, And thou shalt see the power of God, and how He will torment thee and thy seed.
THE MOTHER.
O hasten; Why dost thou pause?
Thou who hast slain already So many Hebrew women, and hast hung Their murdered infants round their necks, slay me, For I too am a woman, and these boys Are mine.

Make haste to slay us all, And hang my lifeless babes about my neck.
SIXTH VOICE (within).
Think not, Antiochus, that takest in hand To strive against the God of Israel, Thou shalt escape unpunished, for his wrath Shall overtake thee and thy bloody house.
THE MOTHER.
One more, my Sirion, and then all is ended.
Having put all to bed, then in my turn I will lie down and sleep as sound as they.
My Sirion, my youngest, best beloved! And those bright golden locks, that I so oft Have curled about these fingers, even now Are foul with blood and dust, like a lamb's fleece, Slain in the shambles .-- Not a sound I hear.
This silence is more terrible to me Than any sound, than any cry of pain, That might escape the lips of one who dies.
Doth his heart fail him?
Doth he fall away In the last hour from God?
O Sirion, Sirion, Art thou afraid?
I do not hear thy voice.
Die as thy brothers died.