Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/412

There is a look of sadness on thy face
Of disturb'd wretchedness, that never yet,
Ev'n in thy darkest hours, I've seen thee wear:
Why art thou thus?

CONSTANTINE.

And dost thou ask? I've been, in deep humility,

Making a sinner's peace with God and man,
And now——and now——(His voice faultering.)

VALERIA.

What would you say, my lord?

CONSTANTINE.

And now I am with thee.

VALERIA.

And art thou sad for this? hast thou not still,

Loose from all shackles of imposed state,
Been with me in thine hours of joy or grief,
Like a way faring man, who sitting down
On the green bank, his cumb'rous vestment open,
To the soft breeze?

CONSTANTINE.

Yes, my Valeria; I have been with thee

As with a true yoke heart, so strong in love
That ev'n the thought which scudded o'er my mind
With culprit's speed from shameful consciousness,
Was not from thee conceal'd.