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74 feared for him, and could hold his peace no longer; so, taking him by the hand, he pressed it fervently, and said "Edward, I have had a silent tongue, though an aching heart, for a long time. What is it troubles you? If it be a secret, too gigantic for my hearing (as I should gather from your long silence), I prythee do not unburthen yourself to me. Nay, look not so mournful—I only mean that I would rather not know this delicate matter; but as almost all evils have a remedy, tell me only how I can assist you, for if any one can, I can do it. But I cannot any longer bear to see you thus ill and despairing, without speaking." Edward was touched to the heart, and fell on his neck in tears, saying to him, "Canst thou bid a dead rose to live?" Edmund answered, "Your question is idle." Edward replied, "Then can you not help me." And rising frantic from his seat, he said, "I am glad of it; I am a beast, and deserve no help. I must sow my seed upon a rock, and then must starve, and my dear friends must grieve. What swallow loveth the consuming kite? What merchant sporteth in amongst the rocks? Who is proud of scorned things? Who opes his heart to scatter'd poison? I, only I, the simple, single fool. Eyes, I will tear ye out, ye damned slaves, that first