Page:The Family Legend.pdf/86

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O no! the soul recoils from swift destruction! Pause ye awhile.(Considering for a moment.) The downward terrible plunge! The coil of whelming waves!—O fearful nature! (Catching hold of a part of the rock near her.) To the rough rock I'll cling: it still is something Of firm and desp'rate hold—Depart and leave me.

Thou still mayst live within a prison pent, If life be dear to thee.

If life be dear!Alas, it is not dear! Although the passing fearful act of death So very fearful is.Say how, even in a prison, I still may wait my quiet natural end.

Whate'er thou art, such has thy conduct been, Thy wedded faith, e'en with thy fellest foes, Sure and undoubted stands:—Sign thou this scroll,