They sow the seeds of pestilence and death—
May heaven preserve thee from their influence!
Eth. Amen to that!
Phy.But tell us, gentle maid,
Why have you summoned us?
Sel.Because we seek
To teach you truths that now ye wot not of;
Because we know that you are very frail,
Poor, blind, weak, wayward mortals—willing reeds,
Swayed right and left by every tempting wind;