Page:The Mysterious Mother - Walpole (1781).djvu/26

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THE MYSTERIOUS MOTHER.
That innocence alone is happiness?That martyrdom itself shall leave the villainThe villain that it found him? Must I learnThat minutes stamp'd with crimes are past recall?That joys are momentary; and remorseEternal? Shall he teach me charms and spells,To make my sense believe against my sense?Shall I think practices and penancesWill, if he say so, give the health of virtueTo gnawing self-reproach?—I know they cannot.Nor could one risen from the dead proclaimThis truth in deeper sounds to my conviction.We want no preacher to distinguish viceFrom virtue. At our birth the god reveal'dAll conscience needs to know. No codicilTo duty's rubric here and there was plac'dIn some saint's casual custody. Weak mindsWant their soul's fortune told by oraclesAnd holy juglers. Me, nor oracles,Nor prophets, death alone can certify,Whether, when justice's full dues exacted,Mercy shall grant one drop to flake my torment.—Here, father, break we off; you to your calling;I to my tears and mournful occupation.

End of the First Act.

ACT

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