Page:The Mysterious Mother - Walpole (1781).djvu/60
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
52
THE MYSTERIOUS MOTHER.
ACT the FOURTH.
The SCENE continues.
BENEDICT, MARTIN.
MARTIN.
I know thy spirit well; know how it labours,
When curb'd and driv'n to wear the mask of art.
But till this hour I have not seen thy passions
Boil o'er the bounds of prudence. So impetuous,
And so reserv'd!
I know thy spirit well; know how it labours,
When curb'd and driv'n to wear the mask of art.
But till this hour I have not seen thy passions
Boil o'er the bounds of prudence. So impetuous,
And so reserv'd!
BENEDICT.
Mistake me not, good brother:
I want no confidence: I know thy faith.
But can I to thy naked eye unfold,
What I dare scarce reveal to my own bosom?
I would not know one half that I suspect,
Till I have acted as if not suspecting.
Mistake me not, good brother:
I want no confidence: I know thy faith.
But can I to thy naked eye unfold,
What I dare scarce reveal to my own bosom?
I would not know one half that I suspect,
Till I have acted as if not suspecting.
MARTIN.
How, brother! thou a casuist! and apply
To thy own breast those damning subtleties,
Which cowards with half-winking consciences
Purchase of us, when they would sin secure,
And hope the penalty will all be ours!
How, brother! thou a casuist! and apply
To thy own breast those damning subtleties,
Which cowards with half-winking consciences
Purchase of us, when they would sin secure,
And hope the penalty will all be ours!
BENEDICT.
Brother, this moment is too big with action
To waste on bootless curiosity.
When I try sins upon the touchstone conscience,
It is for others use, not for my own.
'Tis time enough to make up our account,
When we confess and kneel for absolution.
Brother, this moment is too big with action
To waste on bootless curiosity.
When I try sins upon the touchstone conscience,
It is for others use, not for my own.
'Tis time enough to make up our account,
When we confess and kneel for absolution.
MARTIN.