Part 8 (1/2)

But evil is only good perverted, And Lucifer, the Bearer of Light, But an angel fallen and deserted, Thrust from his Father's house with a curse Into the black and endless night.

_Prince Henry._ If justice rules the universe, From the good actions of good men Angels of light should be begotten, And thus the balance restored again.

_Lucifer._ Yes; if the world were not so rotten, And so given over to the Devil!

_Prince Henry._ But this deed, is it good or evil?

Have I thine absolution free To do it, and without restriction?

_Lucifer._ Ay; and from whatsoever sin Lieth around it and within, From all crimes in which it may involve thee, I now release thee and absolve thee!

_Prince Henry._ Give me thy holy benediction.

_Lucifer._ (_stretching forth his hand and muttering_), Maledictione perpetua Maledicat vos Pater eternus!

_The Angel_ (_with the aeolian harp_). Take heed! take heed!

n.o.ble art thou in thy birth, By the good and the great of earth Hast thou been taught!

Be n.o.ble in every thought And in every deed!

Let not the illusion of thy senses Betray thee to deadly offences.

Be strong! be good! be pure!

The right only shall endure, All things else are but false pretences!

I entreat thee, I implore, Listen no more To the suggestions of an evil spirit, That even now is there, Making the foul seem fair, And selfishness itself a virtue and a merit!

A ROOM IN THE FARM-HOUSE.

_Gottlieb_. It is decided! For many days, And nights as many, we have had A nameless terror in our breast, Making us timid, and afraid Of G.o.d, and his mysterious ways!

We have been sorrowful and sad; Much have we suffered, much have prayed That he would lead us as is best, And show us what his will required.

It is decided; and we give Our child, O Prince, that you may live!

_Ursula_. It is of G.o.d. He has inspired This purpose in her; and through pain, Out of a world of sin and woe, He takes her to himself again.

The mother's heart resists no longer; With the Angel of the Lord in vain It wrestled, for he was the stronger.

_Gottlieb_. As Abraham offered long ago His son unto the Lord, and even The Everlasting Father in heaven Gave his, as a lamb unto the slaughter, So do I offer up my daughter!

(URSULA _hides her face_.)

_Elsie_. My life is little, Only a cup of water, But pure and limpid.

Take it, O my Prince!

Let it refresh you, Let it restore you.

It is given willingly, It is given freely; May G.o.d bless the gift!