University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

The terrace-slip of a garden with flowers. Enter the Princess Bertha, gathering a nosegay and conversing with Guthrom, who is splendidly apparelled, but not as hitherto in his war costume.
Guthrom.
And thou hast given me life, as from the dead,
For hope is life,—this wonderful new hope
That even I, Heaven's bitterest enemy,
The fierce destroyer of this beautiful world,
The very curse of men—can be forgiven!
What thanks, what thanks to pay thee?—

[he kneels.
Bertha
(raising him).
Not to me,—
Rise, gentle brother, (for thy new-born faith
Giveth thee that new name,) kneel not to me,
But worship only Him whose name is Love,
Whose nature Mercy.

Guthrom
(earnestly).
Yet will I thank thee too,—
And, if I may not worship, let me wonder
Whether an angel can be good as thou
Or half so loveable!

Bertha.
O noble sir,
I am myself but a young Christian maid,
And cannot teach thee as another might,
Arguing doubts, disputing controversies,
There be some holy men, our learned bishops—

Guthrom.
Save me from holy men, and learned bishops!
Save me from doubts, disputes, and controversy!
I am all faith! what could another give me
Thou hast not giv'n? my heart is lit at thine,
My spirit is in bliss when thou art nigh,
Thou only be my teacher!—thou alone
Art unto me the beauty of holiness,
Thou art the better angel of my life,
And from thy blessed lips—
Forgive me, Princess!
[suddenly checking himself.
My traitorous tongue hath overta'en my heart,
I spake but as a little child might speak
In all the artless utterance of affection,
I am not what I was,—forgive me, Princess!

[she gives him a flower, smiles on him and walks away, he following admiringly.
Guthrom.
Ah,—might I dare to love thee?—sweet, sweet rose.

[he kisses the flower: and goes off—Scene changes.