CUERVO - Biblioteca Nacional de Colombia

112 PARACELSUS
We should be wroth in such a case; but Thou
Forgivest-so, forgive these passionate thoughts,
Which come unsought, and will not pass away 1
I know thee, who hast kept my path, and made
Light for me in the darkness-tempering sorrow,
So that it reached me like a solemn joy;
It were too strange that I should doubt thy love:
But what am I? Thou madest him, and knowest
How he was fashioned. I could never err
That way: the quiet place beside thy feet,
Reserved for me, was ever in my thoughts;
But he-Thou shouldst have favoured him as well I
Ah I he wakes I Aureole, I am here-'tis Festus I
I cast away all wishes save one wish-
Let him but know me-only speak to me !
He mutters-louder and louder ; any other
Than I, with brain less laden, could collect
What he pours forth. Dear Aureole, do but look!
Is it talking or singing this he utters fast?
Misery, that he should fix me with his eye-
Quick talking to some other all the while!
If he would husband this wild vehemence,
Which frustrates its intent !-I heard, I know
I heard my name amid those rapid words:
o he will know me yet! Could I divert
This current-lead it somehow gently back
Into the channels of the past I-His eye,
Brighter than ever I It must recognise I
Let me speak to him in another's name.
I am Erasmus: I am here to pray
That Paracelsus use his skill for me.
The schools of Paris and of Padua send
These questions for your learning to resolve.
\Ve are your students, noble master: leave
This wretched cell; what business have you here?
Our class awaits you; come to us once more.
(0 agony 1 the utmost I can do
Touches him not; how else arrest his car ?)
I am commissioned . . . I shall craze like him­
Better be mute, and see what God shall send.
Paracelsus. Stay, stay with me 1
F eslus. I will; I am come here
To stay with you-Festus, you loved of old;
Festus, you know, you must know!
Paracelsus. Festus I "'here's
Aprile, then? Has he not chaunted softly
The melodies I heard all night? I could not
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