A VOICE [_singing_]. Friends, out of Egypt, long ago,
Our wandering fathers came,
Treading the paths that God did show
By pointing cloud and flame.
By land and sea His darkness and His light
Led us into His peace.... [_The voice dies away._]
A VOICE [_off_]. Good-night.
_Only _THE MADMAN_ remains. He takes
lilies from a box and begins to tie them in
bunches._
MADMAN. Only a penny, a penny,
Lilies brighter than any,
Lilies whiter than snow. [_He feels that he is alone._]
Beautiful lilies grow
Wherever the truth so sweet
Has trodden with bloody feet,
Has stood with a bloody brow.
Friend, it is over now,
The passion, the sweat, the pains,
Only the truth remains. [_He lays lilies down._]
* * * * * *
I cannot see what others see;
Wisdom alone is kind to me,
Wisdom that comes from Agony.
* * * * * *
Wisdom that lives in the pure skies,
The untouched star, the spirit's eyes;
O Beauty, touch me, make me wise.