Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/98

But of thy guilt or innocence assured,
I could be calm again. "But, in this wild
"Suspense,—this conflict and vicissitude
"Of opposite feelings and convictions—What!
"Hath it been mine to temper and to bend
"All spirits to my purpose; have I raised
"With a severe and passionless energy,
"From the dread mingling of their elements,
"Storms which have rock'd the earth?—And shall I now
"Thus fluctuate, as a feeble reed, the scorn
"And plaything of the winds?"—Look on me, boy!
Guilt never dared to meet these eyes, and keep
Its heart's dark secret close.—Oh, pitying heaven!
Speak to my soul with some dread oracle,
And tell me which is truth.

Rai. I will not plead.
I will not call th' Omnipotent to attest
My innocence. No, father, in thy heart
I know my birthright shall be soon restored;
Therefore I look to death, and bid thee speed
The great absolver.

Pro. Oh! my son, my son!
We will not part in wrath!—the sternest hearts,
Within their proud and guarded fastnesses,
Hide something still, round which their tendrils cling
With a close grasp, unknown to those who dress
Their love in smiles. And such wert thou to me!
The all which taught me that my soul was cast
In nature's mould.—And I must now hold on