Jephthah and Other Mysteries

JEPHTHAH. 55 ‘I will keep silence, though they tear my tongue Blaspheming from my throat. My servant now! ELEAZAR. Mingled emotions quickly following Fear upon fear, and joy and hope at last Crowning, have maddened Jephthah’s kinsman here. Mark his lips muttering, and his meaningless Furious gestures, and indignant eyes Starting, and hard-drawn breath! Him lead away Tenderly, as beseems the mercy shown To his repentance by this maiden queen. The Lord is merciful to them that show Mercy, and all such as are pure of heart ; Thy crown, Adulah, wears a double flower Of these fair blossoms wreathed in one device Of perfect love in perfect maidenhood. JARED [recovering himself \. Nay, but my voice must fill the song of joy With gratitude, and meet thanksgiving. Me More than these others it beseems, who love Less dearly for their innocence than I, Pardoned of my unpardonable sin. ADULAH. The flowers turn westerward ;. the sun is down Almost among those clouds that kiss the sea With heavy lashes drooping over it, A mother watching her own daughter swoon