Page:The Family Legend.pdf/128

Enter Helen, and De Grey goes up to her as if he would speak, but the words faulter on his lips, and he is silent.

HELEN.

Alas! I see it is thy parting visit;

Thou com'st to say "farewell!"

DE GREY.

Yes, Helen: I am come to leave with thee

A friend's dear benison——a parting wish——
A last———Rest ev'ry blessing on thy head!
Be this permitted to me:
(Kissing her hand with profound respect.)
Fare thee well!
Heaven aid and comfort thee! Farewell! farewell!

(Is about to retire hastily, whilst Helen follows to prevent him.)

HELEN.

O go not from me with that mournful look!

Alas! thy gen'rous heart, depress'd and sunk,
Looks on my state too sadly.——
I am not, as thou think'st, a thing so lost
In woe and wretchedness.—Believe not so!
All whom misfortune with her rudest blasts
Hath buffeted, to gloomy wretchedness