Hud. Then is there more to say?
Cor. All's said. We're waited for. Assaria,
Will 't please you enter?
Hud. I thank you, Goldusan. [They go in]
Her. Don't comfort me, Señora. Not a breath.
I'll not disfigure shame with comfort's patch,
But droop as low as leprous dust, and take
Some pride in that. 'Tis dark here, dark. Pray God
I am asleep!
Señ. Dear princess!
Her. Men do well
To keep the women blind. If once they knew,
They'd breed no more, but let a bairnless world
Escheat to God. Yet you, Señora, knew,
And you have children. By your motherhood
You've bound you Life's accomplice,—given it heart
And veins and an accepting soul!
Señ. I have!
Deny our hearts these babes, and we deny
The future that we fight for. Ah, defeat
May be endured by those who hold in lap
The victors of to-morrow!
Her. Oh, my father!
Señ. This truth was edged and swift. You should have had
Love's lips to teach you——
Her. I've been taught, my friend,
But would not learn. [Rising] Señora, it was I
Betrayed your brother!