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Because the Power that rules o'er heaven and earth Hath laid its high commission on my soul Here to arrest thee on thy fatal way.

What means such solemn words?

Descend to me, and thou shalt know their meaning. I have obey'd thee, and do bid thee welcome To this fair land again.—But thou shrink'st back, Casting on me looks of upbraiding sorrow: With thee I may not lordly rights assert; What is thy pleasure?

Is he, the prisoner now led before thee, Loaded with chains, like a vile criminal, Is he the noble Samarkoon, thy brother?

Miscall not by such names that fetter'd villain: He, who once wore them with fair specious seeming, Is now extinct to honour, base and treacherous.