To her he loves, perforce must ease her grief!
If Heaven should claim my life, my death, my all,
Then Heaven will give the strength to heed the call.
The shepherd guides me surely to the fold,
There, safe with Him, 'tis He will make me bold!

NEAR.
Be bold! O come!

POLY.
Yes, let thy faith be mine!
There--at his feet--do I my life resign
If but Pauline--my love--would give consent!
Else heaven were hell, and home but banishment!

NEAR.
Come!--to return. Thrice welcome to her sight,
To see thee safe will double her delight:
As the pierced cloud unveils a brighter sun,
So is her joy enhanced--thy glory won!
O come, they wait!

POLY.
Appease her fear! Ah, this
Alone will give her rest--her lover bliss.
She comes!

NEAR.
Then fly!