; one or two
pass over._] The town's run mad to look upon a gentlewoman shamed.
[_Citizens still pass._] Ah! there's no room for me now, but when
her labor came God knows there was no press! I had room enough then,
not one would lend a hand--fie! they are serpents, all of them; they
have double tongues to hiss, but ne'er a hand to help.

_Carey._ Still talking to herself. Here, Ursula, take the keys and
wait upon the gentlemen. [_Hands keys to Ursula and exit up street._

_Ursula._ Let the gentlemen wait on me awhile.

_Butts._ Would you have us die of thirst, Ursula?

_Ursula._ What will you have, Captain?

_Butts._ Stingo, Ursula, stingo! [_Exit Ursula in tavern._

What say you, lads, shall we see this trial?

_Sailor._ Aye, aye, sir, the woman's fair to look upon.

_Butts._ Then let us get our ballast in, hoist sail and tack away.

_Re-enter URSULA with ale._

Who is it, Ursula, they try?

_Ursula._ A gentle lady, sir. God's-my-life, had no man tempted
her--but, that's your ways, you tempt us, blame us when we yield,
and then make laws to punish us.

_Butts._ But, what's her name?

_Ursula._ What should it be but Hester Prynne?

_Butts._ Hester Prynne? The gentle Mistress Prynne I brought from
Amsterdam three years ago?

_Ursula._ The same, God bless her.

_Butts._ My lads, don't wait for me. [_Exeunt Sailors._
I knew her husband, Ursula; a man
Well versed in all the wisdom of the time;
Somewhat well gone in years, but lovable
Beyond the shallowness of youth, and rich
In mellow charity. Oft hath he sailed
With me from port to port where learning drew him,
And still came richer home. One day he shipped
For Amsterdam and brought his bride, who, like
A hawthorn in its pink of youth that blushes
'Neath the shadow of an ancient elm,
Shed spring-time sweetness round his green old age.
I've seen them often in their Holland home,
Where wisdom laid its treasures at the feet
Of love, and beauty crowned the offering.
She was a lovely lady, Ursula,
And when her lord, still bent on learning more,
Resolved to come out to America--
His own affairs then calling him to England--
He placed her in my care, intending soon
To follow her. He did, but cursed fate!
His ship was lost--no one knows where!

_Ursula._ Alack
The day! She had not sinned had he been here.

_Butts._ But, didst thou know