15

As the free chase they follow , do not spurn me:Our milk has been the same.

Bertha .

As is the hedgehog's,

Which sucks at midnight from the wholesome damOf the young bull, until the milkmaid findsThe nipple next day sore and udder dry.

Call not thy brothers brethren! Call me notMother; for if I brought thee forth, it wasAs foolish hens at times hatch vipers, bySitting upon strange eggs. Out, urchin, out!

{Exit Bertha .

Arnold (solus).

Oh mother! — She is gone, and I rdust doHer bidding; — wearily but willinglyI would fulfil it, could I only hopeA kind word in return. What shall I do ?

(Arnold begins to cut wood: in doingthis he wounds one of his hands .)

My labour for the day is over now.

Accursed be this blood that Hows so fast;

For double curses will be my meed nowAt home. — What home ? I have no home ,no kin,

No kind — not made like other creatures, orTo share their sports or pleasures. Must I bleedtoo