Page:Poems of Emma Lazarus vol 2.djvu/112

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THE DANCE TO DEATH.

LIEBHAID.

Father, my heart's desire is one with his.

[SUSSKIND.

Is this the will of God ? Amen ! My children,
Be patient with me, I am full of trouble.
For you, heroic Prince, could aught enhance
Tour love's incomparable nobility,
'T were the foreboding horror of this hour.
Wherein you dare flash forth its lightning-sword.
Tou reckon not, in the hot, splendid moment
Of great resolve, the cold insidious breath
Wherewith the outer world shall blast and freeze —
But hark ! I own a mystic amulet.
Which you delivering to your gracious father.
Shall calm his rage withal, and change his scorn
Of the Jew's daughter into pure affection.
I will go fetch it — though I drain my heart
Of its red blood, to yield this sacrifice.

[Exit SUSSKIND.

PRINCE WILLIAM.

Have you no smile to welcome love with, liebhaid?
Why should you tremble ?

LIESBHAID.

Prince, I am afraid !
Afraid of my own heart, my anf athomed joy,