Collected Works (Vol. I)

THE MOTHER’S TRAGEDY 161 CoRA (aside). What subterfuge ? What shield against the lightning of his love? (Hastily.) I have a husband living. ULRIC. Think you, then, I have lived so long and looked into you eyes To listen to so hastily disgorged A prentice falsehood not grown journeyman? Then, had you fifty husbands, am I one, Reared in the faith of high philosophy, Schooled from my childhood in the brother- hood Of poets, to descend to this absurd Quibble of tedious morality? Shame not your truth with that ignoble thought ! And also—tell me, once for all, the truth ! [ Bitterly. Say that you love him—it is on your tongue CORA. Learn the momentous horror of thy birth ! [A pause. ULRIC. I would not urge my suit against that plea, But—I have known you, and your own pure soul Should cast no doubt against me—you have said ‘* Rather we love such as the child of love; And pity—he is not unpitiful In this vile system ; and respect him too-- He stands alone, the evidence of Strength !” You move your purpose with no bastardy ! Only you claim to speak the generous thought : For you | wait, for you, to offer love! VOL. [. CORA. All is too true—my own philosophy Mars my world’s wisdom. (Szddenly.) Can you tell me why I loved you as a child, and why I dare Now take your head between my hands and kiss Your forehead with these shameful lips of mine, These harlot lips, and kiss you unashamed? ULRIC. Strange are these words, and this emotion strange ! CORA. Strange is the truth, and deadly as an asp. ULRIc. Wear me no more with this anxiety. CoRa. How can I speak? For this will ruin us. ULRIc. Unspoken, I demand thy heart of thee. CORA. My heart is_ broken. thine. This will murder ULRIc. Kill, but not torture! truth. Let me know the Cora. This shaft is aimed even against thy life. L