University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Morning. A court of the prison.
Enter Pudens.
PUDENS.
That story of the captive and the angel,
Who came to make the night as bright as day,—
I heard it long ago, and scarce believ'd it.
Well, I know not; this gracious lady seems
To make the darkness shine: these pris'ners all
Have something in them not like other men.
Such a dream came last night; I have not had
One near so happy since I was a boy.
I'll ne'er believe much harm can be in those
Who help us to good dreams.—Who knocks?

VOICE
(without).
The deacons.

Enter Tertius and Pomponius.
TERTIUS.
How fare the brethren?

PUDENS.
All of them the better
For better quarters.

POMPONIUS.
And Perpetua?

PUDENS.
Oh, she is brave since she has seen her child,
And says our prison is a palace for her.

POMPONIUS.
The father—where is he?

PUDENS.
Was here last night.

TERTIUS.
Ay, and what happen'd?

POMPONIUS.
Said he aught to thee?

PUDENS.
Oh, he's a proud one—he but bade me keep
The door awide, to give the lady air.

POMPONIUS.
He frighten'd her?

TERTIUS.
And does she keep the faith?

PUDENS.
Nay, I know not: she wept and wept the while,
Till I did nothing hear only her sobs,
And nothing see for tears that came to help her.
She's quiet now as any lamb;—I would
They'd let her bide so.

TERTIUS.
Shall we pass within?

PUDENS.
I'll take you to them all. To look at her,
So white, so young, and yet so mother-like
She gazes on her boy,—'tis a sweet sight!
Scarce seen, ere done: within an hour 'tis like
They're in the Forum.

TERTIUS.
Christ be with them there!

[Exeunt.