Page:Felicia Hemans in The Winter's Wreath 1831.pdf/22

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. What? I have seen thee shrink As a murderer from the eye of light before me. I have earned (how dearly and how bitterly It matters not, but I have earned at last) Deep knowledge, fearful wisdom. Now, begone! Hence to thy guests, and fear not, though arraigned E'en of Sebastian's friendship. Make his scorn (For he will scorn thee, as a crouching slave By all high hearts is scorned,) thy right, thy charter Unto vile safety. Let the secret voice Whose low upbraidings will not sleep within thee, Be as a sign, a token of thy claim To all such guerdons as are showered on traitors, When noble men are crushed. And fear thou not. 'Tis but the kingly cedar which the storm Hurls from his mountain throne; th' ignoble shrub, Grovelling beneath, may live.

. It is thy part To tremble for thy life.

. They that have looked Upon a heart like thine, should know too well The worth of life, to tremble. Such things make Brave men and reckless. Aye—and they, whom fate Would trample, should be thus. It is enough. Thou may'st depart.

. And thou, if thou dost prize Thy safety, speed thee hence.Exit.

(alone.) And this is he Who was as mine own soul: whose image rose Shadowing my dreams of glory with the thought,