But now I know--am sure ... ... that thou art he. There is no need for me to tell thee more. But since it is thy child who is concerned I beg thee to extend to me thine aid. United our endeavours may succeed To save her from the darkness that impends. FIRST PRECEPTOR: Dear Keane. Thou hast been ever true to me, And I would fain still further count on thee. Neither within nor yet without these walls Must any in this country ever know The truth of my relation to this girl. KEANE: My word thereon. I mean no harm to thee; I only beg that thou wilt lend thine aid. FIRST PRECEPTOR: Thou dost perceive that at the present time I cannot talk with thee at greater length. I pray thee come tomorrow. KEANE: I will come. (Exit.) FIRST PRECEPTOR: How cruelly my fate fulfils itself. I left my wife and child in misery, Since they seemed hindrances upon the path Along which vanity did beckon me. It led me on to join this brotherhood. In words of solemn import I then vowed My service to the cause of human love Albeit I was laden with the guilt Arising from the opposite of love. The brotherhood's clear vision, as applied To acts and men, is manifest in me. It welcomed me a brother in its ranks And forthwith laid on me its rules severe. To self-examination was I led And knowledge of myself, which otherwise In other walks of life I had not found. And then when, under Fate's decree, my son Came and dwelt near me, I was fain to think That mighty Powers were merciful to me In showing how to expiate my sin. I knew long since that this Keane's foster-child Was none else than the daughter whom I left.