Page:Superstition play.djvu/16

8 :Mary. I'm young, and youth is ardent, and should be Cheerful, and full of bright and sunny thoughts; I would be if I dared. You too are young. Yet may be happy; for you have a parent Who, tho' he guide you safely down the stream, Does not, like angry pilots, chide, e'en louder Than the loud storm.
 * Alice. His high and holy office

May, haply give to your good father's manner, A grave solemnity, perhaps, a harshness
 * Mary. And why a harshness? Sure, ah sure, Religion

Descends not like the vulture in its wrath; But rather like the mild and gentle dove, Emblem of peace and harbinger of joy. Love in its' eye and healing on its' wing; With pure and snowy plumage, downy soft, To nestle in the bosom of its votaries.
 * Alice. I cannot argue; I'm content to follow

Where e'er our fathers lead. For you, I fear You've learn'd too much from this mysterious stranger.
 * Mary. O Alice, join not you with the slanderous crowd.

Against a noble lady, whom you know not. For me, be satisfied I never more Perhaps, shall see her: I've obeyed my father; And must, tho' it should break my heart: tho, Charles
 * Alice. And what of Charles ?
 * Mary. Her son—
 * Alice. I know, her son,

And what of him?
 * Mary.This very day, 'tis said

He will be here—
 * Alice. Expell'd, they say, from college.
 * Mary. Disgraced—'Tis false: Charles cannot be disgraced;