Car. Lives my Maria, then? what gracious planet
Gave thee safe conduct to these desert woods?
Mar. My late mishap (repented now by all,
And therefore pardon'd) compell'd me to fly,
Where I had perished for want of food,
Had not this courteous man awak'd my sense,
In which death's self had partly interest.
Car. Alas, Maria! I am so far indebted
To him already for the late recovery of
My own weakness, that 'tis impossible
For us to attribute sufficient thanks
For such abundant good.
Alb. I rather ought to thank the heaven's Creator
That he vouchsaf'd me such especial grace,
In doing so small a good; which could I hourly
Bestow on all, yet could I not assuage
The swelling rancour of my fore-pass'd crimes.
Car. O sir, despair not; for your course of life
(Were your sins far more odious than they be)
Doth move compassion and pure clemency
In the all-ruling judge, whose powerful mercy
O'ersways his justice, and extends itself
To all repentant minds. He's happier far
That sins, and can repent him of his sin,
Than the self-justifier, who doth surmise
By his own works to gain salvation;
Seeming to reach at heaven, he clasps damnation.
You then are happy, and our penitent friend,
To whose wish'd presence please you now to bring us,
That in our gladsome arms we may enfold
His much-esteemed person, and forgive
The injuries of his rash follies pass'd.
Alb. Then see false Albert prostrate at your feet,
[He discovers himself.
Desiring justice for his heinous ill.
Car. Is it you? Albert's self that hath preserv'd us?
O bless'd bewailer of thy misery!
Maria. And wofull'st liver in calamity!
Car. From which, right worthy friend, 'tis now high time
You be releas'd; come then, you shall with us.
Our first and chiefest welcome, my Maria,
We shall receive at your good father's house;
Who, as I do remember, in my frenzy
Sent a kind letter, which desir'd our presence.