Page:Dramas 1.pdf/408

SECOND WOMAN.

Ha! does she hope deliverance from death?

FIRST WOMAN.

O no! thou wrongest her, friend; it is not that:

Deliverance is her fear, and death her hope,
A second time she bears a mother's throes
For her young stripling, whose exalted birth
To endless life is at this fearful crisis,
Or earned or lost. May heaven forfend the last!
He is a timid youth, and soft of nature:
God grant him strength to bear that fearful proof!

SECOND WOMAN.

Here comes our reverend father.

Enter a Christian Father.

What tidings dost thou bring? are they in bliss?

FATHER.

Yes, daughter, as I trust, they are ere this

In high immortal bliss. Cælus alone—

FIRST WOMAN.

He hath apostatised! O woe is me!

O woe is me for his most wretched mother!

FATHER.

Apostatised! No; stripling as he is,

His fortitude, where all were braced and brave,
Shone paramount.