issues forth p. 82To meet the balmy breath of early life, Her sadden’d days, all, cold and colourless, Will stretch before her their whole weary length Amid the sameness of obscurity. She wanted not seclusion, to unveil Her thoughts to heaven, cloister, nor midnight bell; She found it in all places, at all hours: While, to assuage my labours, she indulged A playfulness that shunn’d a mother’s eye, Still, to avert my perils, there arose A piety that, even from me, retired.

p. 82

[Roderigo, much agitated—after a pause.

Rod. Such was she!—what am I!—those are the arms That are triumphant when the battle fails. O Julian, Julian! all thy former words Struck but the imbecile plumes of vanity; These, thro’ its steely coverings, pierce the heart. I ask not life nor death; but, if I live, p. 83Send my most bitter enemy to watch My secret paths, send poverty, send pain— I will add more—wise as thou art, thou knowest No foe more furious than forgiven kings. I ask not then what thou woudst never grant: May heaven, O Julian, from thy hand, receive A pardon’d man, a chasten’d criminal.

p. 83

Jul. This further curse thou hast inflicted; wretch, I cannot pardon thee.

Rod. Thy tone, thy mien, Refute those words.

Jul. No—I can not forgive.

[Julian greatly moved, goes towards him.

Rod. Upon my knee, my conqueror, I implore— Upon the earth, before thy feet [starts back]—hard heart!

Jul. Audacious! hast thou never heard that prayer And scorn’d it? ’tis the last thou shouldst repeat. Upon the earth! upon her knees! O God!

Rod. Resemble not a wretch so lost as I: Be better; O! be happier; and pronounce it.

p. 84Jul. I swerve not from my purpose: thou art mine, Conquered; and I have sworne to dedicate —Like a torne banner on my chapel’s roof— Thee to that power from whom thou hast rebelled. Expiate thy crimes by prayer, by penances—

p. 84

Rod. Hasten the hour of trial, speak of peace.

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