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GARCIO.

And wherefore grieve for this? So much the better:

They least befriend the wretched who retard
The hour of his release.—Why should I live
If Heaven accept my penitence? Hath earth
Aught still to raise a wish, or gleam the path
Of one so darken'd round with misery?

COUNTESS.

Nay, say not so: thy child, thy boy, to see him

In strength and stature grown,—would not this tempt thee
To wish some years of life?

GARCIO.

Others shall rear him; others mark his change

From the sweet cherub to the playful boy;
Shall, with such pity as an orphan claims,
Share in his harmless sports and catch his love;
Whilst I, if that I live and am by Heaven
Permitted, coming as a way-worn stranger,
At distant intervals, to gaze upon him,
And strain him to my heart, shall from his eye
The cold and cheerless stare of wonderment
Instead of love receive.

COUNTESS.

O think not so! he shall be taught to love thee;

He shall be taught to lisp thy name, and raise
His little hands to Heaven for blessings on thee
As one most dear, though absent.