[48:1]I give thee thanks
For this fair token!...
Emilia's Prayer is surely Shakspere's.
Emilia's Prayer in the Sanctuary of the pure Diana, forming the third scene, is in some parts most nervous, and the opening is inexpressibly beautiful in language and rhythm. Several ideas and idioms are identically Shakspeare's.
Act V. scene iii. (Weber; i. Littledale) Shakspere's
Emilia. (Kneeling before the altar.) Oh, sacred, shadowy, cold, and constant Queen!
Abandoner of revels! mute, contemplative,
Sweet, solitary, white as chaste, and pure
As wind-fanned snow!—who to thy female knights
Allow'st no more blood than will make a blush,
Which is there order's robe!—I here, thy priest,
Am humbled 'fore thine altar. Oh, vouchsafe,
With that thy rare green eye,[49:1] which never yet
Beheld thing maculate, look on thy virg|in!
And,—sacred silver Mistress!—lend thine ear,
(Which ne'er heard scurril term, into whose port
Ne'er entered wanton sound,) to my petit|ion
Seasoned with holy fear!—This is my last
Of vestal office: [49:2]I'm bride-habited,
But maiden-heart|ed.| A husband I have, appoint|ed,
But do not know him; out of two I should
Chuse one, and pray for his success, but I
Am guiltless of election of mine eyes.[49:2]
* * * * *
(A rose-tree ascends from under the altar, having one rose upon it.)
See what our general of ebbs and flows
Out from the bowels of her holy al|tar
With sacred act advances! But one rose?
If well inspired, this battle shall confound
Both these brave knights, and I a virgin flow|er
Must grow alone unplucked.
(Here is heard a sudden twang of instruments, and the rose falls from the tree.)