Page:Scenes and Hymns of Life.pdf/16

Gomez.Rejoice, rejoice!
Our Queen hath pity, maiden, on thy youth;
She wills not thou shouldst perish.—I am come
To loose thy bonds.

Edith.And shall I see his face,
And shall I listen to his voice again,
And lay my head upon his faithful breast,
Weeping there in my gladness? Will this be?—
Blessings upon thee, father! my quick heart
Hath deem'd thee stern—say, wilt thou not forgive
The wayward child, too long in sunshine rear'd,
Too long unus'd to chastening? Wilt thou not?—
But, Herbert, Herbert! Oh, my soul hath rush'd
On a swift gust of sudden joy away,
Forgetting all beside! Speak, father, speak!
Herbert—is he too free?

Gomez.His freedom lies
In his own choice—a boon like thine.

Edith.Thy words
Full changed and cold upon my boding heart.