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Rh

But now the hour is come, when ev'n with thee I must perform a task—a task of pain.

Speak; what mean'st thou?

All have, ev'n in the dearest intercourse Of heart with heart, in some untoward moment Transgressors been, and prov'd the cause of pain Where most they should have banish'd it: and all, In quitting earthly ties, do anxiously Desire, in the true blessing of forgiveness, To part with those whom they have held most dear. I do! I do! thou hast my dearest blessing, The dearest thoughts and worship of my heart. Where dost thou go? thou dost not leave the city?

No, love, but on its wall I go ere long,— For in a little hour the day will break Which must its fate decide,—that part to act, Which, before God and man, in honest pride, I'm call'd on to perform.