But I might have sworn it. (Exit)
(LALAGE bursts into tears and leans her head upon the
table- after a short pause raises it)
LALAGE
Poor Lalage!- and is it come to this?
Thy servant maid!- but courage!- 'tis but a viper
Whom thou hast cherished to sting thee to the soul!
(Taking up the mirror)
Ha! here at least 's a friend- too much a friend
In earlier day- a friend will not deceive thee.
Fair mirror and true! now tell me (for thou canst)
A tale- a pretty tale- and heed thou not
Though it be rife with woe. It answers me.
It speaks of sunken eyes, and wasted cheeks,
And Beauty long deceased- remembers me
Of Joy departed- Hope, the Seraph Hope,
Inurned and entombed:- now, in a tone
Low, sad, and solemn, but most audible,
Whispers of early grave untimely yawning
For ruined maid. Fair mirror and true- thou liest not!
Thou hast no end to gain- no heart to break-
Castiglione lied who said he loved-
Thou true- he false!- false!- false!
(While she speaks, a monk enters her apartment, and
approaches unobserved)
MONK
Refuge thou hast,
Sweet daughter, in Heaven. Think of eternal things!
Give up thy soul to penitence, and pray!
LALAGE (arising hurriedly)
I cannot pray!- My soul is at war with God!
The frightful sounds of merriment below
Disturb my senses- go! I cannot pray-
The sweet airs from the garden worry me!
Thy presence grieves me- go!- thy priestly raiment
Fills me with dread- thy ebony crucifix
With horror and awe!
MONK
Think of thy precious soul!
LALAGE
Think of my early days!- think of my father
And mother in Heaven think of our quiet home,
And the rivulet that ran before the door!
Think of my little sisters!- think of them!
And think of me!- think of my trusting love
And confidence- his vows- my ruin- think- think
Of my unspeakable misery!- begone!
Yet stay! yet stay!- what was it thou saidst of prayer
And penitence? Didst thou not speak of faith
And vows before the throne?
MONK
I did.
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