Page:Dramas 3.pdf/299

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THE BRIDE: A DRAMA.
297


ARTINA.

Ha! does this rouse thee so? Yet, ne'ertheless,

I'll send for him, and he will make thee well.

SAMARKOON.

I'm well if thou art so, my gentle sister.


ARTINA.

And I am so; how canst thou doubt it, brother,

Being so loving and so well beloved.

SAMARKOON.

O yes! thou art indeed beloved most dearly,

Both thee and thine, and so shall ever be,
Whilst life gives motion to thy brother's heart.

ARTINA.

A brother's heart!—How so? there is a meaning,—

A meaning and a mystery in this.
Tears, too, are on my hand, dropt from thine eyes;—
O, speak, and tell the worst!

SAMARKOON.

I may not now.

I pray thee, let me go; I cannot speak.

[Breaks from her and exit. Then Sabawatté comes forward and takes hold of her robe with an action of soothing tenderness.]