Dear father, no
But take me as your own, and let me live
Thus in the warmth and light of this dear home:
I shall be rich, beyond my wildest dreams.
I only wished for wealth to give away
To those I loved, and those who were in need.
And now the world o'erflows with happiness.
I am so rich in friends and hopes, I feel
Half fearful it will prove a fairy tale;
It seems too sweet for earth.
Madame Belcour rushes in, her hair disheveled, followed by attendants.
Madame Belcour.
He's dead! he's dead! I've murdered him! He's dead!
My falsehood poisoned him; and so he died.
He did not kill himself! Say not a word.
My heart and brain are both on fire! His blood
Is here, and here! (Sees Isabelle.) Oh, save me! save me now!
She's come to witness here against my soul!
You cannot see her; she is like an angel!
I know her well! She's there! Begone! begone!
(Faints exhausted on the stage. Attendants raise her.)
Judge.
Poor broken-hearted mother! Bear her in,
And tenderly. Her mind is quite o'erthrown.
[Madame Belcour carried in by the attendants.
Dr. Margrave.
These alternations make the sum of life:
Thus sorrow treads upon the steps of joy.
A bridal here; and from the neighboring door
Comes forth a funeral tram.
Godfrey.