Page:Scenes and Hymns of Life.pdf/17

Leave not this dim suspense o'ershadowing me.
Let all be told.

Gomez.The monarchs of the earth
Shower not their mighty gifts without a claim
Unto some token of true vassalage,
Some mark of homage.

Edith.Oh! unlike to Him,
Who freely pours the joy of sunshine forth,
And the bright quickening rain, on those who serve
And those who heed him not!

Gomez, (laying a paper before her.) Is it so much
That thine own hand should set the crowning seal
To thy deliverance? Look, thy task is here!
Sign but these words for liberty and life.

Edith, (examining and then throwing it from her.)
Sign but these words! and wherefore saidst thou not,
"Be but a traitor to God's light within?"—
Cruel, oh, cruel! thy dark sport hath been
With a young bosom's hope! Farewell, glad life!