The House of Rimmon - A Drama in Four Acts by Henry Van Dyke
page 50 of 81 (61%)
page 50 of 81 (61%)
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We'll not be far apart. Do you accept
My challenge? SABALLIDIN: Yes! For you enforce my heart By honour to resign its great desire, And love itself to offer sacrifice Of all disloyal dreams on its own altar. Yet love remains; therefore I pray you, think How surely you must lose in our contention. For I am known to Naaman: but you He blindly takes for Tsarpi. 'Tis to her He gives his gratitude: the praise you win Endears her name. RUAHMAH: Her name? Why, what is that? A name is but an empty shell, a mask That does not change the features of the face Beneath it. Can a name rejoice, or weep, Or hope? Can it be moved by tenderness To daily services of love, or feel the warmth Of dear companionship? How many things We call by names that have no meaning: kings That cannot rule; and gods that are not good; And wives that do not love! It matters not What syllables he utters when he calls, 'Tis I who come,--'tis I who minister Unto my lord, and mine the living heart That feels the comfort of his confidence, |
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