the outlaw.
7
Page. [kneeling.] Pardon me, my Lord;
I pray thee think it not.
Forgive my boldness:—see my gentle lady;
It is the hour at which she's wont to walk:
Oh! wilt thou not speak peace unto her bosom?
Look on her form—wasted by gnawing care;
Through her wan slender fingers glide the tears,
Forever flowing;—I can ne'er believe
That guilt e'er dwelt with so much humbleness!
B. Alber. [still musing.] Who spoke of peace?
Canst thou bestow such boon?
Restore a wanton's purity—a husband's trust?
God's blessing on thine head, if thou can'st do it:
But no—I tell thee she's as false as hell!
I saw the clasping hands—the speaking glance—
The tears that fell at parting! Get thee gone,
Thou tempting devil!
Page. [kneeling.] One word—only one word—Forgive———
B. Alber. Up, boy; I have resolved to try
The lady's boasted constancy. My friends
Think me abroad—my rank concealed—
I pray thee think it not.
Forgive my boldness:—see my gentle lady;
It is the hour at which she's wont to walk:
Oh! wilt thou not speak peace unto her bosom?
Look on her form—wasted by gnawing care;
Through her wan slender fingers glide the tears,
Forever flowing;—I can ne'er believe
That guilt e'er dwelt with so much humbleness!
B. Alber. [still musing.] Who spoke of peace?
Canst thou bestow such boon?
Restore a wanton's purity—a husband's trust?
God's blessing on thine head, if thou can'st do it:
But no—I tell thee she's as false as hell!
I saw the clasping hands—the speaking glance—
The tears that fell at parting! Get thee gone,
Thou tempting devil!
Page. [kneeling.] One word—only one word—Forgive———
B. Alber. Up, boy; I have resolved to try
The lady's boasted constancy. My friends
Think me abroad—my rank concealed—
