Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/101

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Rud. (overhearing her, and calling to a Servant without.) Ho! more lights here! (Servant enters with a light, and .) Thou art obey'd: in aught But in the company of human kind, Thou shalt be gratified. Thy lofty mind For higher super-human fellowship, If such there be, may now prepare it's strength.

Or. Thou ruthless tyrant! They who have in battle Fought valiantly, shrink like a helpless child From any intercourse with things unearthly. Art thou a man? And bear'st thou in thy breast The feelings of a man? It cannot be!

Rud. Yes, madam; in my breast I bear too keenly The feelings of a man—a man most wretched: A scorn'd, rejected man.—Make me less miserable; Nay rather should I say, make me most blest; I too am firm. Thou know'st my fix'd resolve: Give me thy solemn promise to.be mine. This is the price, thou haughty, scornful maid, That will redeem thee from the hour of terrour! This is the price—