Godfather and Godmother. I receive it.

A Guest. Look! look! the countess rises from the sofa, and comes slowly forward as if in a dream!

Another Guest. How she reels and totters—poor thing! She is advancing to the infant—how deadly pale she grows!

Third Guest. Shall I offer her my arm? She looks as if about to faint—

Father Benjamin. George Stanislaus! wilt thou renounce the devil and all his works?

Godfather and Godmother. I renounce them.

A Guest. Hush! the countess—look!

Wife (laying her hand softly on the head of the infant). Where is thy father, tell me, George?

Father Benjamin. I beg that the ceremony may not be interrupted.

Wife. Bless thee, George! I bless thee, my son! Become a poet, that thy father may love thee, and never desert thee, George!