Thro' wood and wilds, and strangely on my head
The 'numbing winds have beat, and I have lost it.
Be not offended with me——
For, Lady, thou art gentle and I fear thee.
(bowing submissively to Dwina.)
Enter Ethelbert.
What maid is that so haggard and so wild?
Dwi. A wand'ring maniac, but so fair and gentle
Thou needs must speak to her.
Eth. (going up to Berth.) Fair Lady, wilt thou suffer—gracious heaven!
What see I here! the sweet and gentle Bertha!
Ah, has it come to this! alas, alas!
Sweet maiden dost thou know me?
Berth. (after looking earnestly at him.)
I know thee well enough. They call thee mad;
Thy wild and raving words oft make the ears
Of holy men to tingle.
Eth. She somewhat glances at the truth. Alas!
I've seen her gay and blooming as the rose,
And cheerful, too, as song of early lark.
I've seen her prattle on her nurse's lap,
Innocent bud! and now I see her thus. (weeps.)
Berth. Ah! dost thou weep? are they unkind to thee? (shaking her head.)
Yes, yes! from out the herd, like a mark'd deer,
They drive the poor distraught. The storms of heaven
Beat on him: gaping hinds stare at his woe;
And no one stops to bid heav'n speed his way.
