From a fate like this, in one so tender,
Nor at its eagerness to surrender
All the wretchedness, want, and woe
That await it in this world below,
For the unutterable splendor
Of the world of rest beyond the skies. 
So the Church sanctions the sacrifice: 
Therefore inhale this healing balm,
And breathe this fresh life into thine;
Accept the comfort and the calm
She offers, as a gift divine,
Let her fall down and anoint thy feet
With the ointment costly and most sweet
Of her young blood, and thou shall live.

Prince Henry. And will the righteous Heaven forgive? 
No action, whether foul or fair,
Is ever done, but it leaves somewhere
A record, written by fingers ghostly,
As a blessing or a curse, and mostly
In the greater weakness or greater strength
Of the acts which follow it, till at length
The wrongs of ages are redressed,
And the justice of God made manifest!

Lucifer In ancient records it is stated
That, whenever an evil deed is done,
Another devil is created
To scourge and torment the offending one! 
But evil is only good perverted,
And Lucifer, the Bearer of Light,
But an angel fallen and deserted,
Thrust from his Father’s house with a curse
Into the black and endless night.

Prince Henry. If justice rules the universe,
From the good actions of good men
Angels of light should be begotten,
And thus the balance restored again.

Lucifer. Yes; if the world were not so rotten, And so given over to the Devil!

Prince Henry. But this deed, is it good or evil? 
Have I thine absolution free
To do it, and without restriction?

Lucifer. Ay; and from whatsoever sin
Lieth around it and within,
From all crimes in which it may involve thee,
I now release thee and absolve thee!

  Prince Henry. Give me thy holy benediction.

  Lucifer. (stretching forth his hand and muttering),
       Maledictione perpetua
       Maledicat vos
       Pater eternus!

The Angel (with the aeolian harp).  Take heed! take heed! 
Noble art thou in thy birth,
By the good and the great of earth
Hast thou been taught! 
Be noble in every thought
And in every deed! 
Let not the illusion of thy senses
Betray thee to deadly offences. 
Be strong! be good! be pure! 
The right only shall endure,
All things else are but false pretences! 
I entreat thee, I implore,
Listen no more
To the suggestions of an evil spirit,
That even now is there,
Making the foul seem fair,
And selfishness itself a virtue and a merit!

* * * * *

A ROOM IN THE FARM-HOUSE.

* * * * *