Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/101

Rud. (overhearing her, and calling to a Servant without.)
Ho! more lights here!
(Servant enters with a light, and exit.)
Thou art obey'd: in aught
But in the company of human kind,
Thou shalt be gratified. Thy lofty mind
For higher super-human fellowship,
If such there be, may now prepare it's strength.

Or. Thou ruthless tyrant! They who have in battle
Fought valiantly, shrink like a helpless child
From any intercourse with things unearthly.
Art thou a man? And bear'st thou in thy breast
The feelings of a man? It cannot be!

Rud. Yes, madam; in my breast I bear too keenly
The feelings of a man—a man most wretched:
A scorn'd, rejected man.—Make me less miserable;
Nay rather should I say, make me most blest;

And then—(attempting to take her hand, while she steps back from him, drawing herself up with an air stately and determined, and looking stedfastly in his face.)

I too am firm. Thou know'st my fix'd resolve:

Give me thy solemn promise to.be mine.
This is the price, thou haughty, scornful maid,
That will redeem thee from the hour of terrour!
This is the price—