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(The confused noise and tramping of the mob is heard outside.)
Voices Outside:
God shall put down the mighty from his seat,
Exalting humble men, and meek of heart.
Theonöe.(Closes the grille and speaks through it):
Humble and meek of heart, O hypocrites,
Cowardice, rancour, your humility,
Who by your slanders blacken what was clear
With inky venom, as the sepia fish
To take a prey, to shelter from a foe,
Darkens the water. So you pride condemn?
The noble pride that draws man up to God
Raising himself since God stoops not to him,
Nay then, arraign the lion for his strength,
The hawk, bold pirate of the upper blue
For swiftness, and the tortoise for his sloth.
