But as thou hast—hence, hence—and do thy best!

That back of thine may bear its burthen; 'tis

More high, if not so broad as that of others.

Arn. It bears its burthen;—but, my heart! Will it

Sustain that which you lay upon it, Mother?

I love, or, at the least, I loved you: nothing10

Save You, in nature, can love aught like me.

You nursed me—do not kill me!

Bert.‍Yes—I nursed thee,

Because thou wert my first-born, and I knew not