A TRAGEDY
67
HELEN.
(Going up to him, while he avoids her.)
Turn'st thou from me thus?
Have I offended? dost thou doubt my faith?
Hath any jealous thought—I freely own
Love did not make me thine: but, being thine,
To no love-wedded dame, bound in the ties
Of dearest sympathy, will I in duty—
In steady, willing, cheerful duty yield.
Yea, and though here no thrilling rapture be,
I look to spend with thee, by habit foster'd,
The evening of my days in true affection.
MACLEAN.
Would heaven had so decreed it!
(Pulling away his hand from hers.)
Grasp me not!
It is a fiend thou cling'st to.
(A knock at the door.)
Power of heaven!
Are they already at the chamber door!
HELEN.
