LUIS. You do not speak.
POLONIA. Attend.
LUIS. With quicker speed your story tell,
For well I know my soul hath need
That I should go with swifter speed!
POLONIA. And me it doth import as well
That you should go away.
LUIS. Agreed.
Now, woman, point the way to where my path doth lead.
POLONIA. No one accompanied can brave
The terrors of this gloomy lake;
And so a skiff you needs must take,
And try alone the icy wave;
Being in that most trying strait
The absolute master of your acts and fate.
Come where within a secret cave
Beside the shore the boat doth lie,
And trusting in the Lord on high,
Embark upon the crystal wave
Of this remote lone inland sea.
LUIS. My life and all I have I place, O Lord! in Thee.
And so I trust me to the bark;
But, O my soul! what sight is here,
A coffin doth the bark appear;
And I upon the waters dark
Alone must cross the icy tide.
[He enters.
POLONIA. Oh! turn not back, but follow and confide
LUIS [within]. I've conquered! sweet Polonia's shade,
Since sight of thee has not undone
My shuddering soul.