He blew his nose
Quite loud on last Annunciation-day,
And choked our Lady's name in the Abbot's throat.

_Robert_.
When he returns, we must complain; and beg
He'll take such measures as the case requires.


SCENE III.--_Julian's cell. An open chest. The lantern on a stool,
its candle nearly burnt out_. JULIAN _lying on his bed, looking at
the light_.


_Julian_.
And so all growth that is not toward God
Is growing to decay. All increase gained
Is but an ugly, earthy, fungous growth.
'Tis aspiration as that wick aspires,
Towering above the light it overcomes,
But ever sinking with the dying flame.
O let me _live_, if but a daisy's life!
No toadstool life-in-death, no efflorescence!
Wherefore wilt thou not hear me, Lord of me?
Have I no claim on thee? True, I have none
That springs from me, but much that springs from thee.
Hast thou not made me? Liv'st thou not in me?
I have done naught for thee, am but a want;
But thou who art rich in giving, canst give claims;
And this same need of thee which thou hast given,