Chapter 10
The Angel and PATRICK.
PATRICK. Ah! it cannot be to me Comes such glory! For, behold! Pearl and rosy dawn in one, Shines a cloud, from which its sun Breaks in crimson and in gold! Living stars its robe adorning, Rose and jasmine sweetly blended, Dazzling comes that vision splendid, Scattering purple pomps of morning.
ANGEL. PATRICK!
PATRICK. Sunlight strikes me blind! Heavenly Lord, who canst thou be?
ANGEL. I am Victor, whom to thee God thy angel-guard assigned: With this scroll, to give it thee [Gives him the letter. I am sent.
PATRICK. Sweet messenger, Paranymph of all things fair, Who amidst the hierarchy Of the highest hosts of heaven Singest in melodious tone -- "Glory unto Thee alone, Holy, Holy Lord, be given!"
ANGEL. Read the letter.
PATRICK. With amaze, I see here "To Patrick" Oh, Can a slave be honoured so?
ANGEL. Open it.
PATRICK. It also says -- "Patrick! Patrick! hither come, Free us from our slavery!"-- More it means than I can see, Since I do not know by whom I am called. Oh, faithful guide, Speedily dispel my error!
ANGEL. Look into this shining mirror.
PATRICK. Heavens!
ANGEL. What seest thou inside?
PATRICK. Numerous people there seem thronging, Old men, children, women, who Seem to call me.
ANGEL. Nor do you Stay, but satisfy their longing. You behold the Irish nation, Who expect to hear God's truth From your lips. Oh, chosen youth, Leave your slavery. The vocation God has given thee is to sow Faith o'er all the Irish soil. There as Legate thou shalt toil, Ireland's great Apostle. Go First to France, to German's home, The good bishop: there thou'lt make Thy profession: there thou'lt take The monk's habit, and to Rome Pass, where letters thou'lt procure For that mighty work of thine, In the bulls of Celestine: Thou wilt visit, then, in Tours Martin, the great bishop there. Now upborne upon the wind Come with me, for thou wilt find God has given with prescient care His commands to all, that so Fitly thy great work be done; But 'tis time we should be gone: Let us on our journey go. [They disappear.
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ACT THE SECOND.
HALL OF A TOWER IN THE PALACE OF EGERIUS.