Page:The robbers - a tragedy (IA robberstragedy00schiiala).pdf/44

he that caus'd those precious tears to flow.—Ah! and if you knew all—could you but see him now—see him with those features!——

With what features, monster!

Hush, hush, my gentle soul! ask me no further. (Speaking as if apart, but loud enough to be heard by her.) 'Twere something if that abominable vice had but a veil to conceal its deformity from the sight of the world—but how hideous its aspect, mark'd by the yellow livid eye—the hollow death-like features, the bones that pierce the shrivell'd skin—the broken faultering voice—the frail and tottering carcase, while the poison preys into the very marrow of the bones—Horrible and loathsome picture—Faugh! how the thought sickens! Do you remember, Amelia, that miserable object who died lately in the hospital—whose contagious breath tainted the air—whom modesty forbade to look at.—Recal, if thou canst, that loathsome image.—Such, O horrible to think! is now thy once lov'd Charles! His lips distil poison—his kisses pestilence and death——