And midnight visions sav'd this hand from blood:
I fain
HARDIBRAND (again eagerly interrupting him).
And shall with human beings yet consort
In blessed charity, if ghostly care
From holiest men procur'd, or off'rings made
To ev'ry sacred shrine on christian ground
Can give him peace.
RAYNER (smiling and pressing Hardibrand to his bosom).
Of eager youth dost thou, mine aged friend,
Take every thing upon thee. Be it so.
And good Mardonio with his sober counsel
Will aid thy bounty. Here I join your hands;
My worldly cares are clos'd.
Enter Elizabeth, followed by Richard and Bertram, who remains on the back ground whilst she comes slowly forward; Rayner turning round on hearing them enter.
Ah! who is this?
Alas! alas! it is Elizabeth.
(Holding out his hand to her.)
Advance, my love; thou'rt ever welcome here.
How does it fare with thee?
ELIZABETH.
I know not how it fares with me.
