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Gomez.Rejoice, rejoice! Our Queen hath pity, maiden, on thy youth; She wills not thou shouldst perish.—I am come To loose thy bonds.

Edith.And shall I see his face, And shall I listen to his voice again, And lay my head upon his faithful breast, Weeping there in my gladness? Will this be?— Blessings upon thee, father! my quick heart Hath deem'd thee stern—say, wilt thou not forgive The wayward child, too long in sunshine rear'd, Too long unus'd to chastening? Wilt thou not?— But, Herbert, Herbert! Oh, my soul hath rush'd On a swift gust of sudden joy away, Forgetting all beside! Speak, father, speak! Herbert—is he too free?

Gomez.His freedom lies In his own choice—a boon like thine.

Edith.Thy words Full changed and cold upon my boding heart.