Bristol locks the door inside,
And scans well the room around;
His grey eyes are opened wide—
Who's that on the other side?
Too soon the truth he found!
Markham springs now on his feet,
While his eyes with passion glow;
Bristol's these defying meet!
Firm they stand, nor seek retreat;
They well each other know!
First the brother silence broke;
"Villain! Come you here again?
Who did your light doom revoke?
Died on not from my just stroke
Upon the stormy Main?
"You've the impudence to come
To the place she occupied!
Your foul presence taints the room
Which to her was as a home,
Till, by your hands, she died!
"You hardened wretch! Take, quickly take
Your polluted soul from here!
Who, for you, Death's fetters brake?
Satan his own child forsake!
He'll have you, never fear!
"Monster! you're not fit to live,
Neither yet to die, at all?"
Bristol does no answer give;
The torments no one can conceive,
Endured by his vile soul!
Again the brother spoke in rage:
"Think you to escape your doom?
Other story, I engage
To read, ere you quit this stage.
Stern Vengeance now doth loom!
"If there be no other way,
Law I'll take in my own hands."
"This you've done"—did Bristol say—
"At the shipwreck yesterday;"
Now Markham shuddering stands.
Said he, "Yes, I did it then,
And you are sent back to me;
You will ne'er escape again;
Trial will be but in vain—
You're doomed to misery!
"Mary, my own sister dear!
When I last time saw your face,
Dreamt you not of cause to fear
Murderer's hand upon you here,
Within this very place!