Mordred and Hildebrand: A Book of Tragedies

by Wilfred Campbell

Gerb. (To Arnulph.) Be this true?

Arn. It is true, by the Mother of God. An’ thou wilt feel it too ere thou art an hour older.

Gerb. Nay, Man, thou art mad, this cannot be!

Ar. ’Tis even so as we be Holy Church’s men.

Gerb. Ha! art thou not Ariald, once of Rome?

Ar. Yea, I am that same Ariald.

Gerb. Then tell me Ariald, by our one-time friendship, that this man be mad, an’ his message but a foolish doctrine.

Ar. Nay, Gerbhert, but ’tis thou art foolish, an’ this law but too true, thou must obey.

Gerb. Then will I fight this mad heresy, this inhuman code. That we must give up our wives an’ babes, our pure homes, an’ all that is holiest on earth! Nay, it cannot be! ’Tis devilish!