The Mother’s Tragedy

28 THE MOTHER'S TRAGEDY MADELINE. O Heart of Jesus! Thou art bleeding still ! This was Thy true disciple. Leave her not, Sweet Jesus, in this madness. Who is this ? [Enter ULRIC; he carries a razor. ULRIC. I have a lovely bride at last, my dear! A phantom with intolerable eyes Came close and whispered: I am Wisdom’s self, Thy spouse from everlasting. Mortal king Of my immortal self, I claim thy love! So, we are wedded close. Justice demands The punishment of this accurséd one, Originator of the cruel crimes My mother-mistress carried to their close. It was your vile affection, Madeline, And your perverted hankering for me That caused this thing abominable. Come! I will not hurt you in the killing you! [|He catches MADELINE gently by the hair, bend- ing back her head. CORA sits thunder- struck, unable to move or speak. MADELINE. Help, Cora, help! he means to murder me! Jesus, my Saviour, save them from this deed ! Help! [ULRIC cuts her throat.