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FRIEDERICH WERNER
The Templars in Cyprus
page 141
Him bnck into his natural nothingness.
In moments such as these tho sage himself
Sinks into dust—the dust, whence he, too, sprang ;
But soon uplifts himself and, purified,
Springs from tho fateful crisis ; and 'tis thus
The Holy Will proves its omnipotence.
Thou too, bravo Robert, wilt rise up again !
ROBERT.
What can I do ?
MOLAT. Be greater than thy fate, Thy hater lovo ; in works creative seek Tho highest good, thy self-pcrfectionment. Thou art tho imago of the Eternal One ; He, when mankind reviles Him, only smiles, And round their huts creates a Paradise. Wilt thou still, selfish, turn theo to the wilds ?
ROBERT.
Humbled I bow before thy loftiness !
MOLAY.
That shalt thou not !—thou shalt mo so surpass, Tho best shall say hereafter : " good was Molay, But Robert's a refulgence of the Highest ! " Tho Order, as I hope, will set thee free ; Thou knowest what Freedom's worth, and what she claims.—
Go back into the world !—not tho great world ;— The world that's thine !—About thy father's castles Thousands of men who aro thy brethren, groan 'Neath heavy yoko of bondage ;—set them free !— By thine example, bring to nought the vile Barbaric residue of Roman folly, Which separates tho free man from the serf, As though all men had not one equal right, By that first principle in-born to all, Heart-glad to draw their breath in hope and love And freedom !—Thou wilt be a fendal lord,
138
THE TEMPLARS IX CYPRUS.
[ACT
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