Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/94



Nought but a soul unstain'd.

Why, that is little. Stains on the soul are but as conscience deems them, And conscience—may be sear'd.—But, for this sentence! —Was 't not the penalty imposed on man, E'en from creation's dawn, that he must die? —It was: thus making guilt a sacrifice Unto eternal justice; and we but Obey heaven's mandate, when we cast dark souls To th' elements from amongst us.—Be it so! Such be his doom!—I have said. Ay, now my heart Is girt with adamant, whose cold weight doth press Its gaspings down.—Off! let me breathe in freedom! —Mountains are on my breast! (He sinks back.

Guards, bear the prisoner Back to his dungeon.

Father! oh, lookup; Thou art my father still!

(leaving the Tribunal, throws himself on the neck of Raimond.) Oh! Raimond, Raimond! If it should be that I have wrong'd thee, say Thou dost forgive me.

Friend of my young days, So may all-pitying heaven! (Raimond is led out.

Whose voice was that? Where is he?—gone?—now I may breathe once more In the free air of heaven. Let us away. [Exeunt omnes.