_Bar._ When she was one of us? Of course--because She then _was_ one of us. But when a man-- A married man--elopes with one of us (Which happens sometimes), why, that one of us No longer claims to rank as one of us; And so the cause of love exists no longer. _Aga._ That’s true, indeed! _Lisa._ Have you no charity? Is there no eloquence to touch your hearts In this wan, wasted form--these wretched rags? Why, look at me! _Bar._ There is a certain frock, Blue, trimmed with peach--not much the worse for wear-- That’s humbly at your service. (_Curtsying mockingly._) _Bess._ Spare her, pray! _Lisa._ Ay, spare me, bitter hearts! Who can foresee? A year ago, I was as one of you! Another year, and you may be as I! So, better spare me, lest it come to pass That you have judged yourselves in judging me. Well, well, the river’s near! _Enter GRETCHEN._ _Gret._ Why, who is this? Lisa! (_Taking her hand._) _Lisa._ Hold! Ere you take my hand in yours, Remember what I am and what I’ve done. I am an outcast, cheated and betrayed. He swore to marry me--well, I believed him, And when I looked to him to keep his promise, He told me of his wife. There, that’s my story. Go wash your hand! _Gret._ Poor bruised and broken heart-- Be comforted. Why, I have prayed and prayed For thy return--and see, my prayer is heard! Poor wanderer! Our hearts were sore for thee, Ay, very sore--and I remember well How Barbara wept when the sad tidings came, And vowed she’d rather lose her best ten years Than this had happened. _Bar._ Yes, and so I would, But it has happened--and the mischief’s done. _Bess._ (_crying_). I’m sure I loved her dearly! _Aga._ So did I! One can’t forget old times! _Gret._ Why, then be brave, And prove that thine was no fine-weather love, Poor penitent! Oh, sisters, is it fit That we should judge our sister, or withhold The mercy that we pray for, day by day? _Lisa_ (_surprised_). Oh, Gretchen, Gretchen! _Gret._ Come, poor broken heart, Look up--we are thy sisters as of old. _Bess._ (_half sobbing_). If Gretchen can forgive thee, who are we That we should hold aloof? We spake in haste; Our hearts were turned to thee, despite our words. [_BESSIE kisses her and exit._