Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/412

392

There is a look of sadness on thy face Of disturb'd wretchedness, that never yet, Ev'n in thy darkest hours, I've seen thee wear: Why art thou thus?

And dost thou ask? I've been, in deep humility, Making a sinner's peace with God and man, And nowand now(His voice faultering.)

What would you say, my lord?

And now I am with thee.

And art thou sad for this? hast thou not still, Loose from all shackles of imposed state, Been with me in thine hours of joy or grief, Like a way faring man, who sitting down On the green bank, his cumb'rous vestment open, To the soft breeze?

Yes, my Valeria; I have been with thee As with a true yoke heart, so strong in love That ev'n the thought which scudded o'er my mind With culprit's speed from shameful consciousness, Was not from thee conceal'd.