Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/133

And maiden fearfulness have gone before thee;
And where, as well as him of firmest soul,
The meanly-minded and the coward are.
Then trust thy nature, at th'approaching push,
The mind doth shape itself to its own wants,

And can bear all things. (Rising from his seat, and walking several times backward and forward.)

I know not how it is, I'm wond'rous heavy;

Fain would I rest a while. This weary frame
Has but a little more to do for me,
And yet it asks for rest. I'll lay me down:
It may be possible that I shall sleep,
After these weary tossings of the mind;

I feel as tho' I should. (Goes to sleep, covering himself with a cloak.)

Enter Ohio, creeping out from a hiding-place at the bottom of the stage and going softly up to Rayner, looks for some time upon him with a malicious grin.

OHIO.

Thou hast lov'd negroes' blood, I warrant thee.

Dost sleep? ay, they will waken thee ere long,
And cut thy head off. They'll put thee to rest;
They'll close thine eyes for thee without thy leave;
They'll bloat thy white skin for thee, lily-face.
Come, less harm will I do thee than thy fellows:
My sides are cold: a dead man needs no cloak.

(Beginning gently to pull Rayner's cloak, who starts from his sleep, and looks at him in amazement.)