THE LAY OF THE BROWN ROSARY
123
That, at her waking, she would weep
For childhood lost anew in sleep!
How hath she sinned?
Second Angel.
In bartering love—
God's love—for man's!
First Angel.
We may-reprove
The world for this! not only her!
Let me approach, to breathe away
This dust o' the heart with holy air.
Second Angel.
Stand off! She sleeps, and did not pray.
First Angel.
Did none pray for her?
Second Angel.
Ay, a child,—
Who never, praying, wept before:
While, in a mother undefiled,
Prayer goeth on in sleep, as true
And pauseless as the pulses do.
First Angel.
Then I approach.
Second Angel.
It is not WILLED.
First Angel.
One word: Is she redeemed?
Second Angel.
No more!
The place is filled. [Angels vanish.
For childhood lost anew in sleep!
How hath she sinned?
Second Angel.
In bartering love—
God's love—for man's!
First Angel.
We may-reprove
The world for this! not only her!
Let me approach, to breathe away
This dust o' the heart with holy air.
Second Angel.
Stand off! She sleeps, and did not pray.
First Angel.
Did none pray for her?
Second Angel.
Ay, a child,—
Who never, praying, wept before:
While, in a mother undefiled,
Prayer goeth on in sleep, as true
And pauseless as the pulses do.
First Angel.
Then I approach.
Second Angel.
It is not WILLED.
First Angel.
One word: Is she redeemed?
Second Angel.
No more!
The place is filled. [Angels vanish.
Evil Spirit in a Nun's garb by the bed.
Forbear that dream—forbear that dream! too near to Heaven it leaned.
Onora in sleep.
Nay, leave me this—but only this! 'tis but a dream, sweet fiend!
Evil Spirit.
It is a thought.
Forbear that dream—forbear that dream! too near to Heaven it leaned.
Onora in sleep.
Nay, leave me this—but only this! 'tis but a dream, sweet fiend!
Evil Spirit.
It is a thought.
