Page:Dramas 2.pdf/168

ACT III.

The Prison; Arden is discovered sitting in a disconsolate posture. After a pause, he rises, and walks once or twice across the front of the Stage.

ARDEN.

And if it should come to this, in what is it really different from that which, many times, in the accumulation of my distresses, I have wished for—I have almost been upon the brink of perpetrating? How often, after returning in despair from the gaming-house, have I wistfully looked at the pistols that hung on the wall, or the razor that lay on my table!—Ah! but disgrace, disgrace! The murmurs of detestation and pity; the broad gaze of the innumerable multitude; the last horrible act imposed on a passive wretch;—this is what the human mind strongly recoils from! this is dreadful! (Sinks down again upon his seat.)

Enter Under Gaoler, bearing a covered dish, &c.

UNDER GAOLER.

I have brought you something to eat, Sir: you will be quite faint if you fast longer.