The Maiden (entering).
I pray
Forgiveness thus to leave you here so long;
I did not mean it, but I swooned away
Before I knew it.
The Lady.
Thanks. There was no wrong;
I liked the vigil.
The Maiden (going to the bedside).
Sweet those eyes—the brow
How calm! I would not bring life to him now
E’en if I could; gone to his God—at rest
From all earth’s toil.
Dear love, upon thy breast
I lay my hand; I yield thee back to Him
Who gave thee to me; and, if thou hast wrought
Wrong to our troth in deed, or word, or thought,
I now forgive thee. Sleep in peace; the dim,
Dark grave has its awaking.
As the hart
Longed for the water-brooks, so have I yearned
For token, Willie, that thy love returned
To me at last. Lo! now I can depart
In peace.—My picture, letters! Thou wast true,
Wast true to me, thank God!—
(Turning.) Madam, to you
I owe apology.
The Lady.
Never! But throw
Your gentle arms around me—thus. And so
Give me a blessing.
The Maiden.