28 THE MOTHER'S TRAGEDY
MADELINE.
O Heart of Jesus! Thou art bleeding still !
This was Thy true disciple. Leave her not,
Sweet Jesus, in this madness. Who is this ?
[Enter ULRIC; he carries a razor.
ULRIC.
I have a lovely bride at last, my dear!
A phantom with intolerable eyes
Came close and whispered: I am Wisdom’s self,
Thy spouse from everlasting. Mortal king
Of my immortal self, I claim thy love!
So, we are wedded close. Justice demands
The punishment of this accurséd one,
Originator of the cruel crimes
My mother-mistress carried to their close.
It was your vile affection, Madeline,
And your perverted hankering for me
That caused this thing abominable. Come!
I will not hurt you in the killing you!
[|He catches MADELINE gently by the hair, bend-
ing back her head. CORA sits thunder-
struck, unable to move or speak.
MADELINE.
Help, Cora, help! he means to murder me!
Jesus, my Saviour, save them from this deed !
Help! [ULRIC cuts her throat.