Part 12 (2/2)

_Crom._ To have a home, that is no fitting home, Is worse than the sad orphan's part, who gathers His lean crumbs from the world's wide eager table, And pares the flint-stones borne in stranger b.r.e.a.s.t.s, To eke him out against the cruel winds--

[_Crosses to his daughter._]

Thou say'st she was thy playmate-- Come, thou hast Mov'd the stern soldier to thy woman's will.

Go, sir! [To Arthur.] and fetch this Florence from her roof.

There should be no such scandal done in England, As the loud insult of a marriage forc'd Before G.o.d's altar.

_Arth._ If they do oppose?

_Crom._ Thy brother is a worker in my hands, Leave him to me; the old man loves his wealth Too well. I say, go quickly, and return With speed direct--I'd have thee near me, [_Aside._] for Thy n.o.ble confidence that dares to speak The first-fruits of thy mind,-- I have regard [_Aloud._]

For thee, young man, see that you keep it warm As now--but mind, no swords, as ye are brothers-- Not e'en reproach.--Sweet heart, when foolish mercy [_To his daughter._]

Doth beg an idle tale from thy dear lips, Perchance thou'lt seek thy father--until then, All good be with thee! [_Crosses to R._]

Sir! I will direct [_To Arthur._]

A present escort for you.

[_Exit CROMWELL, R._]

_Arth._ Lady! deem My heart coin'd into words to thank you nothing For payment of this service.

_Eliz._ Sympathy Is just as often born of happiness, As bitter suffering of the world's contempt.

Within the magic circle of a home, Happy and loved as mine is, The heart is touched with pity's gentle wand To do her lightest bidding-- But in this, There is no kind emotion worth the name; For I would see my school-fellow and friend To talk old nothings, something still to us, And look beneath the lashes of her eyes, To learn her plaint against the selfish world, And read her trust in Heaven-- Is she fair As childhood promised ?--[_Looking archly at Arthur._]

Do you know, I think You love her more than cousins.h.i.+p demands?

_Arth._ Nay! she is worthy of all love.

_Eliz._ Well, well, sir!

I shall know when I see you both together.

_Exeunt ELIZABETH, R., ARTHUR, L._

SCENE II.

[_1st Cut._] [_2nd Grooves._]

_A Hall in a Manor House.--Discovered SIR SIMON, in an easy chair, supported by servants, BASIL and FLORENCE attending._

_Sir Sim._ I am thy father. Would'st kill me, girl?

O dear! I saw Master Stacker, the court physician that was, to-day. [Coughs.] Oh, I am very ill.

_Flor._ Dear father! what said he?

_Sir Sim._ That I have a disease of the heart. Now I don't agree with him. There he is mistaken. Why I might die instantly with a disease of the heart.

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