Page:Scenes and Hymns of Life.pdf/22

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Edith.Herbert! I have cast The snare of proffer'd mercy from my soul, This very hour. God to the weak hath given Victory o'er life and death!—The tempter's price Hath been rejected—Herbert, I must die.

Herbert. O Edith! Edith! I, that led thee first From the old path wherein thy fathers trod— I, that received it as an angel's task, To pour the fresh light on thine ardent soul, Which drank it as a sun-flower—I have been Thy guide to death!

Edith.To Heaven! my guide to Heaven, My noble and my blessed! Oh! look up, Be strong, rejoice, my Herbert! But for thee How could my spirit have sprung up to God, Through the dark cloud which o'er its vision hung, The night of fear and error? thy dear hand First raised that veil, and shewed the glorious world My heritage beyond—Friend! love and friend!