Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/136

Put shame on thee by wearing on this morn
A weeping face: I will be valiant too.
We will not, Rayner, tho' thou'rt thus—Oh! oh!
(Bursting into tears.)

RAYNER.

My gen'rous friend, my second father, why

Wilt thou oppress me thus?

HARDIBRAND.

Bear with me, bear with me; I meant to brave it,

And I will brave it. But to thee, my son,
In thy distress, encompass'd as thou art,
My heart so strongly has enlink'd itself,
That to part from thee, boy, is——
(Falling on his neck, and bursting again into tears.)

Enter Mardonio.

MARDONIO (after looking at them for some time, and in a solemn imposing tone of voice).

The strength of man sinks in the hour of trial;

But there doth live a power that to the battle
Girdeth the weak: Heaven's vivifying grace,
And strength, and holy confidence be thine,

Who art in mercy stricken! (Holding up his right hand to heaven, whilst Rayner, approaching with reverence, bows himself beneath it very low.)

RAYNER.

Thanks to thee, father! these are words of power,

And I do feel their strength. Beneath that hand