Page:Dramas 2.pdf/224

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212
THE STRIPLING: A TRAGEDY.

I know by it that He has heard my prayer. O may He bless and pity you when I am gone!—But there is something I must say while I can speak.

ARDEN.

What is it, my love?

YOUNG ARDEN.

The men that arrested me—let them come near. (To the men.) Be ye witnesses that with my dying breath I confess myself guilty of Robinair's death, and solemnly declare no creature but myself had any knowledge of it.—My strength goes fast; but this hand and this hand (pressing his father and mother's hands) are still warm in my grasp. Who else stands near who has loved me?—You, cousin, you have been very good to me; and, if I had strength, I would thank you.

MADALINE.

My dear, dear Edmond! I love not my own brother better than thee: how shall I bear to think of thy sad end!

YOUNG ARDEN.

And Humphry too; where art thou? Give me thine honest hand.

HUMPHRY.

Oh, my dear young master! I would have laid down my life to save yours.