Luke. I almost ran upon The subject of your song-wild Martha's willow, E'en whilst you sang of it. Mary. Was that it, Luke ? How strange and wild it looks! I could remain For the sole means which, harming none, may free Wild Martha sleeps as soundly in her cave As those who rot beneath yon fading steeple- fain Excuse what inwardly thou'rt shuddering at. Dost thou forget how often thou hast said Thy manly heart hath quail'd to pass yon tree (Luke shows much emotion). What, Luke! dear Luke! I've been too heedless in my pensive talk, And thought not of thy present grief. Luke. Forget it, Mary-I was only musing If, tempted to the act of her whose bones, And still When skies are clear, may be discern'd far down And say thou'st bought his pardon with thy pray'rs ! As doubt that thou might'st dread my memory, Mary. I'll not answer thee; Indeed I will not, Luke: it is not well To pay Heaven's bounty with such fearful fancies. Luke, (after a pause). Well, then, suppose me laid beside old Adam, With decent holiness, what wouldst thou do To live, my helpless Mary? Mary. Oh, I ne'er Took joy in making misery for thee! Luke. I'd have thee go directly to the home Mary. When thou art gone! O, then, I shall not need more kindness at their hands Than will suffice to lay me by thy side. But wherefore, Luke, when thou'rt about to leave me, And journey, as thou sayest, to a far place- Luke. Nay, keep them now; And every day puts forth a livelier green. Because his hand hath planted them. The wealth His nets which waver, drying, in the air, Tell how that cheerful home was earn'd, and prove No labour, that is honest, is too humble To gain the smile of Providence. Mary. How blest Am I to hear thee say so! For it shows Luke. Farewell, dear Mary. Here we must part.-Yes, part! (They land opposite Caleb's cottage.) ENTER CALEB. Caleb. Now welcome, Luke, And welcome your fair wife-Right glad am I To see so sweet a face beneath my roof. Mary. Thanks, Caleb, thanks. Luke. I need not tell thee, Caleb, How much thou hast of my good thoughts; here is A proof thou canst not doubt-it is my all. (delivering Mary to him.) Caleb. It were no lack of hospitality Were I to hope so questionless a pledge Of thy good-will might quickly be redeem'd. Mary. Ay, tell me, Luke-when shall we meet again? A hundred times I have besought thee fix To other things, as if that meeting had Luke. "Twill be in joy indeed! Mary. O, when we meet again And will it so ? But when-but when, my Luke? To-morrow? No, "Twill surely be the next day? Luke. Be content Thanks, Ere then I shall be watching o'er thee. Mary. Thanks, thanks, O thanks! Why, if it be so soon, |