18 THE MOTHER'S TRAGEDY
What shield against the lightning of his love ?
(Hastily.) 1 have a husband living.
ULRIC.
Think you, then,
I have lived so long and looked into your eves
To listen to so hastily disgorged
A prentice falsehood not grown journeyman ?
Then, had you fifty husbands, am I one,
- Reared in the faith of high philosophy,
Schooled from my childhood in the brotherhood
Of poets, to descend to this absurd
Quibble of tedious morality ?
Shame not your truth with that ignoble thought!
And also—tell me, once for all, the truth! [Aztterly.
Say that you love him—it is on your tongue!
CORA.
Learn the momentous horror of thy birth! [A pause.
ULRIC.
I would not urge my suit against that plea,
But—I have known you, and your own pure soul
Should cast no doubt against me—you have said
‘‘Rather we love such as the child of love;
And pity—he is not unpitiful
In this vile system ; and respect him too—
He stands alone, the evidence of Strength!”
You move your purpose with no bastardy !
Only you claim to speak the generous thought :
For you I wait, for you, to offer love!