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A TRAGEDY
85


DE GREY, (starting back).

Helen of Argyll!

O God! was this the feeble wailing voice!

(Clasping his arms about her knees, as she stands almost senseless, supported by the Fishermen, and bursting into tears.)

Could heart of man so leave thee? thou, of all

That lovely is, most lovely.—Woe is me!
Some aid, I pray ye. (To Host and his Wife.)
Bear her softly in,
And wrap warm garments round her.
Breathes she freely?
Her eyes half open are, but life, alas!
Is almost spent, and holds within her breast
A weak uncertain seat. (Helen moves her hand.)
She moves her hand:—
She knows my voice.—O heaven, in mercy save her!
Bear her more gently, pray ye:—Softly, softly!
How weak and spent she is!

FIRST FISHERMAN.

No marvel she is weak: we reach'd her not

Until the swelling waters laved her girdle.
And then to see her——