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GOTTLIEB. IT is decided! For many days, | |
| And nights as many, we have had | |
| A nameless terror in our breast, | |
| Making us timid, and afraid | |
| Of God, and his mysterious ways! | 5 |
| We have been sorrowful and sad; | |
| Much have we suffered, much have prayed | |
| That he would lead us as is best, | |
| And show us what his will required. | |
| It is decided; and we give | 10 |
| Our child, O Prince, that you may live! | |
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URSULA. It is of God. He has inspired | |
| This purpose in her; and through pain, | |
| Out of a world of sin and woe, | |
| He takes her to Himself again. | 15 |
| The mother’s heart resists no longer; | |
| With the Angel of the Lord in vain | |
| It wrestled, for he was the stronger. | |
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GOTTLIEB. As Abraham offered long ago | |
| His son unto the Lord, and even | 20 |
| The Everlasting Father in heaven | |
| Gave his, as a lamb unto the slaughter, | |
| So do I offer up my daughter! URSULA hides her face. | |
| |
ELSIE. My life is little, | |
| Only a cup of water, | 25 |
| But pure and limpid. | |
| Take it, O my Prince! | |
| Let it refresh you, | |
| Let it restore you. | |
| It is given willingly, | 30 |
| It is given freely; | |
| May God bless the gift! | |
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PRINCE HENRY. And the giver! | |
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GOTTLIEB. Amen! | |
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PRINCE HENRY. I accept it! | 35 |
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GOTTLIEB. Where are the children? | |
| |
URSULA. They are already asleep. | |
| |
GOTTLIEB. What if they were dead? | |
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