Page:Dramas 3.pdf/138

136

Art thou sure that no reprieve has arrived? It must be past the hour. (Bell tolls.) Ha! the time is true.

That awful sound! It gives notice that the prisoners will soon be led forth. Lord have mercy on their sinful souls! on all sinful souls!

Thou may'st go: I would be alone. [Exit Landlord. Now comes the fearful consummation! Her arts, her allurements, her seeming beauty, her glamour, and her power,—what will they all amount to when the noon of this day shall be past? a few black ashes, and a few scorched bones.—Fye upon these cowardly thoughts,—this sinking confidence! Revenge is sweet; revenge is noble; revenge is natural; what price is too dear for revenge?—Why this tormenting commotion? To procure false evidence for the conviction of one whom we know or believe to be guilty,—is this a sin past redemption? No; it is but the sacrifice of truth for right and useful ends. I know it is; reason says it is; and I will be firm and bold, in spite of human infirmity.