Collected Works (Vol. I)

THE MOTHER'S TRAGEDY 155 Not unfamiliar, through exulting gates— Lift up your heads,” I hear the angels ery 3 ** Be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors. A child-heart seeks the Lover of the Child!” O meek and holy Jesus, hath Thy heart Yearned unto me, Thy maiden? For I knew \ bliss so pregnant with the unforeseen As brought me to the very feet of Christ, Weeping. Tow clouded that mysterious Passion! I fell a-weeping in my bed, Forgetting, or not knowing. For a fire Too perfect for my sinful soul to touch Gathered me closely in itself, to hide Its utter glory from me. Now I feel Swift troubled tremblings in myself: T seck Again those visionary skies. Alas! That angel chorus swells another note I cannot understand. CORA. I am so moved, I cannot find it in my heart to say The words I purposed. Let my folly pass As an old worldly woman’s talk. MADELINE, Ono! You bear the sainted frayrance of your love Higher than even my dreams. In earthly life You are not earthly. I have often thought The Virgin has some special care for you, And given of her beauty and her peace A special dower. Your thoughts are ever pure ; Your soul in sweet communion with God ! Why, you are crying? CORA. You say this to me? O could you look within a magic glass, Holding my hand, such sights would come to you Beyond your knowledge—ay, beyond belief! I am no saintly virgin wrapped in prayer, Nor is my life one river of clear water Drawn from the wells of God. You foolish child ! My love for you you cannot understand, Nor the low motive—you have shown it me— Of this beginning of our talk. MADELINE, Say on! CORA (meaniigly). Much less you understand the love I bear To Ulric! MADELINE gzves a latile cry. Ileart of Christ ! it cannot be ! Cora. No, child; I tricked you. out? Is your secret MADELINE. I am dismayed at my discovery. (Slow/y.) Inever guessed my own poor silli- ness Until that moment when you frightened me. CORA. And now you know how dear he is to you! Come, child, I love you both. Your happi- ness Is my life’s purpose. I have seen the truth Of this in you ; it comes to every one. I know that he is half in love with you. Look once again as you did look just now, And he would die for you. O foolish girl! [MADELINE weeps quzetly for a little, CORA caressing her. MADELINE. Please let me go: you are too kind to me!