Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/405

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1st Nun.Amen, amen!

2d Nun. How does the lady?

Bern. She sits and bears his head upon her lap; And like a heaven-inspir'd angel, speaks The word of comfort to his troubled soul: Then does she wipe the cold drops from his brow, With such a look of tender wretchedness, It wrings the heart to see her.

1st Nun. Ha! hear ye nothing?

''2d Nun. (Alarmed.)''Yes, I heard a noise.

1st Nun. And see'st thou nothing? (Creeping close to her sister.)

Bern.'Tis a nun in white.

(To Sister.) Wherefore, my daughter, hast thou left thy cell? It is not meet at this untimely hour.

Sist. I cannot rest. I hear such dismal sounds, Such wailings in the air, such shrilly shrieks. As though the cry of murder rose again From the deep gloom of night. I cannot rest: I pray you let me stay with you, good sisters! (Bell tolls.)

''Nuns. (Starting.)'' What bell is that?

Bern.It is the bell of death. A holy sister was upon the watch