Thou Christian mother! on thy sons to pass

The sentence—life or death! The price is set

On their young blood, and rests within thy hands.

Alph. Mother! thou tremblest!

Abd. Hath thy heart resolved?

Elm. (covering her face with her hands.)

My boy’s proud eye is on me, and the things

Which rush in stormy darkness through my soul

Shrink from his glance. I cannot answer here.

Abd. Come forth. We’ll commune elsewhere.