With sweet hope and trust I may reply, 'tis as you think and wish. I have seen sorrow, surely, and the more That I have seen what was far worse; but God Sent His own servant to me to restore My sadly straying feet to the sure path; And in my soul I have the pledge of grace Which shall suffice to keep them there. _Edward_. Ah, joy! You found a friend; and my o'erflowing heart, Welling with gratitude, pours out to him For his kind ministry its fitting meed. Oh, breathe his name to me, that my poor lips May bind it to a benison, and that, While dying, I may whisper it with those-- Jesus and Mary--which I love the best. Name him, I pray you. _Mary_. You would ask of me To bear your thanks to him, and to rehearse Your dying words? _Grace_. He asks your good friend's name; You do not understand him. _Mary_. It is hard To give denial to a dying wish; But, Edward, I've no right to speak his name. He was a Christian man, and you may give Of the full largess of your gratitude All, without robbing God, you have to give, And fail, e'en then, of worthy recompense. _Edward_. Your will is mine. _Grace_. Nay, Mary, tell it him! Where is he going he should bruit the name? Remember where he lies, and that no ears Save those of angels-- _Mary_. There are others here Who may not hear it. _Ruth_. We will all retire. It is not proper we should linger here, Barring the sacred confidence of hearts Parting so sadly. _David_. Mary, you must yield, Nor keep the secret longer from your friends, _Mary_. David, you know not what you say. _David_. I know; So give the dying man no more delay. _Mary_. I will declare it under your command. This stranger friend--stranger for many months-- This man, selectest instrument of Heaven, Who gave me succor in my hour of need, Snatched me from ruin, rescued me from want, Counseled and cheered me, prayed with me, and then Led me with careful hand into the light, Was he now bending over you in tears-- David, my brother! _Edward_. Blessed be his name! Brother by every law, above--below! _Grace_. [_Pale and trembling_,] David? My husband? Did I hear aright? You are not jesting! Sure you would not jest At such a juncture! Speak, my husband, speak! Is this a plot to cheat a dying man, Or cheat a wife who, if it be no plot, Is worthy death? What can you mean by this? _Mary_. Not more nor less than my true words convey. _Grace_. Nay, David, tell me! _David_. Mary's words are truth. _Grace_.