Gottlieb.  It is decided!  For many days,
And nights as many, we have had
A nameless terror in our breast,
Making us timid, and afraid
Of God, and his mysterious ways! 
We have been sorrowful and sad;
Much have we suffered, much have prayed
That he would lead us as is best,
And show us what his will required. 
It is decided; and we give
Our child, O Prince, that you may live!

Ursula.  It is of God.  He has inspired
This purpose in her; and through pain,
Out of a world of sin and woe,
He takes her to himself again. 
The mother’s heart resists no longer;
With the Angel of the Lord in vain
It wrestled, for he was the stronger.

Gottlieb.  As Abraham offered long ago
His son unto the Lord, and even
The Everlasting Father in heaven
Gave his, as a lamb unto the slaughter,
So do I offer up my daughter!

          (URSULA hides her face.)

Elsie.  My life is little,
Only a cup of water,
But pure and limpid. 
Take it, O my Prince! 
Let it refresh you,
Let it restore you. 
It is given willingly,
It is given freely;
May God bless the gift!

  Prince Henry. And the giver!

  Gottlieb. Amen!

  Prince Henry. I accept it!

  Gottlieb. Where are the children?

  Ursula. They are already asleep.

  Gottlieb. What if they were dead?

* * * * *

IN THE GARDEN.

* * * * *

  Elsie. I have one thing to ask of you.

Prince Henry. What is it?  It is already granted.

Elsie. Promise me,
When we are gone from here, and on our way
Are journeying to Salerno, you will not,
By word or deed, endeavor to dissuade me
And turn me from my purpose, but remember
That as a pilgrim to the Holy City
Walks unmolested, and with thoughts of pardon
Occupied wholly, so would I approach
The gates of Heaven, in this great jubilee,
With my petition, putting off from me
All thoughts of earth, as shoes from off my feet. 
Promise me this.

Prince Henry. Thy words fall from thy lips Like roses from the lips of Angelo:  and angels Might stoop to pick them up!

  Elsie. Will you not promise?

Prince Henry. If ever we depart upon this journey, So long to one or both of us, I promise.

Elsie. Shall we not go, then?  Have you lifted me
Into the air, only to hurl me back
Wounded upon the ground? and offered me
The waters of eternal life, to bid me
Drink the polluted puddles of this world?