Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/413

But now the hour is come, when ev'n with thee
I must perform a task—a task of pain.

VALERIA.

Speak; what mean'st thou?

CONSTANTINE.

All have, ev'n in the dearest intercourse

Of heart with heart, in some untoward moment
Transgressors been, and prov'd the cause of pain
Where most they should have banish'd it: and all,
In quitting earthly ties, do anxiously
Desire, in the true blessing of forgiveness,
To part with those whom they have held most dear.

Now dost thou underhand me? (Holding out both his hands to her.)

VALERIA.

I do! I do! thou hast my dearest blessing,

The dearest thoughts and worship of my heart.

But oh! what dost thou say?—part!—how, my Constantine!

Where dost thou go? thou dost not leave the city?

CONSTANTINE.

No, love, but on its wall I go ere long,—

For in a little hour the day will break
Which must its fate decide,—that part to act,
Which, before God and man, in honest pride,
I'm call'd on to perform.