Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/138

118

And midnight visions sav'd this hand from blood: I fain

Fear not! fear not! he shall be sav'd; And shall with human beings yet consort In blessed charity, if ghostly care From holiest men procur'd, or off'rings made To ev'ry sacred shrine on christian ground Can give him peace.

With all the prompt and gen'rous profusion Of eager youth dost thou, mine aged friend, Take every thing upon thee. Be it so. And good Mardonio with his sober counsel Will aid thy bounty. Here I join your hands; My worldly cares are clos'd. Enter followed by Richard and Bertram, who remains on the back ground whilst she comes slowly forward; Rayner turning round on hearing them enter. Ah! who is this? Alas! alas! it is Elizabeth. (Holding out his hand to her.) Advance, my love; thou'rt ever welcome here. How does it fare with thee?

It is all mist and darkness with me now; I know not how it fares with me.