ANSELM [whispers to himself]. Those eyes—still gaze—in mercy. A-a-h,
methinks—
How sad they look!
[aloud]. Ahasuerus! Hold!
[ANSELM hastens after the Jew, and seeks to lead him back. AHASUERUS resists.]
AHASUERUS. Not so! I am accursed. Let me go!
ANSELM. Forgive me, if I have offended thee,
For I am weak—yet see; I pray you, stay.
Without, the night is wild—and here is calm.
AHASUERUS. The storm was e'er my lot.
ANSELM. But now the calm
Invites to rest.
AHASUERUS [slowly]. To—rest?
[He stands undecided, then submits to be led back to the fire. For a moment neither speaks, then AHASUERUS cries out.]
AHASUERUS. There is no rest
For me, nor ever can be, for I
Am curst of God.
ANSELM. O miserere! Pray!
Pray and with you I'll pray.—O, thou sweet Christ,
Look down in pity on this erring one!
We all like sheep have gone astray; O God,
Thou shepherd of the flock, lead us to thee.