The Mysterious Mother/Act 2 Scene 5
SCENE V.
FLORIAN, alone.
So, this is well. My introduction made,
It follows that I move her for her son.
She seems of gentler mould than fame bespoke her.
Nor wears her eye the saucy superiority
Of bigot pride. Who knows but he may wish
To shake the tramels of enthusiasm off,
And reconcile herself to easier paths
Of simple goodness? Women oft wear the mask
Of piety to draw respect, or hide
The loss of it. When age dispels the train
That waits on beauty, then religion blows
Her trumpet, and invites another circle;
Who full as false as the preceding crew,
Flatter her problematic mental charms:
While snuffing incense, and devoutly wanton,
The Pagan goddess grows a Christian saint,
And keeps her patent of divinity.
Well! Edmund, whatsoe'er thy mother be,
I'll put her virtue or hypocrisy
To the severest test.—Countess, expect me! [Exit.
So, this is well. My introduction made,
It follows that I move her for her son.
She seems of gentler mould than fame bespoke her.
Nor wears her eye the saucy superiority
Of bigot pride. Who knows but he may wish
To shake the tramels of enthusiasm off,
And reconcile herself to easier paths
Of simple goodness? Women oft wear the mask
Of piety to draw respect, or hide
The loss of it. When age dispels the train
That waits on beauty, then religion blows
Her trumpet, and invites another circle;
Who full as false as the preceding crew,
Flatter her problematic mental charms:
While snuffing incense, and devoutly wanton,
The Pagan goddess grows a Christian saint,
And keeps her patent of divinity.
Well! Edmund, whatsoe'er thy mother be,
I'll put her virtue or hypocrisy
To the severest test.—Countess, expect me! [Exit.
End of the Second Act.