Rolla. Courage, dear Uncle, courage!—Your grey hairs, your mild eloquence, my sword, and the arm of God!—all these united—Yes, yes, we will save her!
High-Priest. Alas, young man, zeal blinds you to the steep rocks which lie in our way.
Rolla. I feel sufficient energy to defy them.
High-Priest. Ancient popular opinions—the customs of whole centuries——
Rolla. Nature is older than these.
High-Priest. But not more powerful.
Rolla. Mere evasion.
High-Priest. Could I, by sacrificing the few short years remaining of my life, redeem the hapless Cora’s, I would instantly with firm and resolute step descend into this vault.
Rolla. Babble.