Page:Dramas 1.pdf/457

Rh

Ev'n but a few short moments. Princely Nero! The strong enchantment which deludes my soul Is, that I do believe myself the creature, Subject and soldier, if I so may speak, Of an Almighty Father, King, and Lord, Before whose presence, when my soul shall be Of flesh and blood disrobed, I shall appear, There to remain with all the great and good That e'er have lived on earth, yea, and with spirits, Higher than earth e'er own'd, in such pure bliss As human heart conceives not,—if my life, With its imperfect virtue, find acceptance From pard'ning love and mercy; but, if otherwise, That I shall pass into a state of misery With souls of wicked men and wrathful demons. That I believe this earth on which we stand Is but the vestibule to glorious mansions, Thro' which a moving crowd for ever press; And do regard the greatest Prince, who now Inflicts short torment on this flesh, as one Who but in passing rudely rends my robe. And thinkest thou that I, believing this, Will shrink to do His will whom I adore? Or thinkest thou this is a senseless charm, That soon will pass away?

High words, indeed, if resting on good proof! A maniac's fancies may be grand and noble.