Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/306

274

Bast. Or be most strangely wanting in respect. For every street and alley of your city Its eager swarm pours forth to gaze upon them: The very sick and dying, whose wan cheeks No more did think to meet the breath of heaven, Creep to their doors, and stretch their wither'd arms To catch a benediction. Blushing maids, Made bold by inward sense of sanctity, Come forth with threaded rosaries in their hands To have them by the holy prelate bless'd; And mothers hold their wond'ring infants up, That touch of passing cowl or sacred robe May bring them good. And in fair truth, my Lord, Amongst the crowd the rev'rend legate seems Like a right noble and right gentle parent Cheering a helpless race.

Ul. Aye, 'tis right plain thou art besotted too. Were he less gentle I should fear him less. [.

Bast. He's in a blessed mood; what so disturbs him?

Ter. What has disturb'd him long, as well thou knowest: Aurora's persevering fond belief That her beloved Ermingard still lives, And will return again. To guide his bark Upon our dang'rous coast, she nightly kindles Her watch-fire, sitting by the lonely flame;