[Act IV.]
[Scene I.]
Roger. [Feeling Dimsdell's pulse] There's been no change.
A very long trance.
At times he mumbles; at other times, as now,
He lies like death. If ev'ry murderer
Were stricken with the image of the thing
Which he would deal, 'twould be a blessing! Yet
When consciousness returns, with it will come
The murderous disposition; for in these cases
The mind, although it wanders while the trance
Is on, always comes back upon its path
Where first it left It. Therefore, 'twere wise in me
To be on guard. Well, so I am; but what—
What fear should drive me hence, or make me leave
The study of his case? He hath no arms
But such as both of us were born with;
And despite my age I am his equal that way.
Ah! a chair swung by a furious man
Might make an omelet of my brain;
Therefore, one chair will do—and that for me.
[Removes chair.
Enter Governor Bellingham in robes of office.
Governor. Good morning, Doctor.
Roger. Good morning, Governor. I wish you, sir,
As happy and as prosperous a term
In office, as that just closing.