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The poetical works of George MacDonald in two volumes — Volume 1
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How, how I love you, Julian!
[Leans her head on his arm. JULIAN winces a little. She raises her head and looks at him.]
Did I hurt you?
Would you not have me lean my head on you?
Julian.
Come on this side, my love; 'tis a slight hurt
Not yet quite healed.
Lilia.
Ah, my poor Julian! How—
I am so sorry!—Oh, I do remember!
I saw it all quite plain! It was no dream!
I saw you fighting!—Surely you did not kill him?
Julian
(calmly, but drawing himself up).
I killed him as I would a dog that bit you.
Lilia
(turning pale, and covering her face with her
hands.)
Oh, that was dreadful! there is blood on you!
Julian.
Shall I go, Lilia?
Lilia.
Oh no, no, no, do not.—
I shall be better presently.
Julian.
You shrink
As from a murderer!
Lilia.
Oh no, I love you—
Will never leave you. Pardon me, my Julian;
But blood is terrible.
Julian
(drawing her close to him).
My own sweet Lilia,
'Twas justly shed, for your defense and mine,
As it had been a tiger that I killed.
He had no right to live. Be at peace, darling;
His blood lies not on me, but on himself;
I do not feel its stain upon my conscience.
[A tap at the door.]
Enter Nurse.
Nurse. My lord, the steward waits on you below.
[JULIAN goes.]
You have been standing till you're faint, my lady!
Lie down a little. There!—I'll fetch you something.
SCENE XVI.—The Steward's room. JULIAN. The Steward
Julian.
Well, Joseph, that will do. I shall expect
To hear from you soon after my arrival.
Is the boat ready?
Steward.
Yes, my lord; afloat
Where you directed.
Julian.
A strange feeling haunts me,
As of some danger near. Unlock it, and cast
The chain around the post. Muffle the oars.
Steward.
I will, directly.
[Goes.]
Julian.
How shall I manage it?
I have her father's leave, but have not dared
To tell her all; and she must know it first!
She fears me half, even now: what will she think
To see my shaven head? My heart is free—
I know that God absolves mistaken vows.
I looked for help in the high search from those
Who knew the secret place of the Most High.
If I had known, would I have bound myself
Brother to men from whose low, marshy minds
Never a lark springs to salute the day?
The loftiest of them dreamers, and the best
Content with goodness growing like moss on stones!
It cannot be God's will I should be such.
But there was more: they virtually condemned
Me in my quest; would have had me content
[Leans her head on his arm. JULIAN winces a little. She raises her head and looks at him.]
Did I hurt you?
Would you not have me lean my head on you?
Julian.
Come on this side, my love; 'tis a slight hurt
Not yet quite healed.
Lilia.
Ah, my poor Julian! How—
I am so sorry!—Oh, I do remember!
I saw it all quite plain! It was no dream!
I saw you fighting!—Surely you did not kill him?
Julian
(calmly, but drawing himself up).
I killed him as I would a dog that bit you.
Lilia
(turning pale, and covering her face with her
hands.)
Oh, that was dreadful! there is blood on you!
Julian.
Shall I go, Lilia?
Lilia.
Oh no, no, no, do not.—
I shall be better presently.
Julian.
You shrink
As from a murderer!
Lilia.
Oh no, I love you—
Will never leave you. Pardon me, my Julian;
But blood is terrible.
Julian
(drawing her close to him).
My own sweet Lilia,
'Twas justly shed, for your defense and mine,
As it had been a tiger that I killed.
He had no right to live. Be at peace, darling;
His blood lies not on me, but on himself;
I do not feel its stain upon my conscience.
[A tap at the door.]
Enter Nurse.
Nurse. My lord, the steward waits on you below.
[JULIAN goes.]
You have been standing till you're faint, my lady!
Lie down a little. There!—I'll fetch you something.
SCENE XVI.—The Steward's room. JULIAN. The Steward
Julian.
Well, Joseph, that will do. I shall expect
To hear from you soon after my arrival.
Is the boat ready?
Steward.
Yes, my lord; afloat
Where you directed.
Julian.
A strange feeling haunts me,
As of some danger near. Unlock it, and cast
The chain around the post. Muffle the oars.
Steward.
I will, directly.
[Goes.]
Julian.
How shall I manage it?
I have her father's leave, but have not dared
To tell her all; and she must know it first!
She fears me half, even now: what will she think
To see my shaven head? My heart is free—
I know that God absolves mistaken vows.
I looked for help in the high search from those
Who knew the secret place of the Most High.
If I had known, would I have bound myself
Brother to men from whose low, marshy minds
Never a lark springs to salute the day?
The loftiest of them dreamers, and the best
Content with goodness growing like moss on stones!
It cannot be God's will I should be such.
But there was more: they virtually condemned
Me in my quest; would have had me content
Другие электронные книги автора George MacDonald
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