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Alb. I must be gone; thou hast o'ercome me now, Another time I will not yield it so.

Isab. The Countess is severe, she's too severe; She once was young, tho' now advanc'd in years.

Vict. No, I deserve it all; she is most worthy. Unlike those faded beauties of the court, But now the wither'd stems of former flow'rs, With all their blossoms shed; her nobler mind Procures to her the privilege of man, Ne'er to be old till nature's strength decays. Some few years hence, if I should live so long, I'd be Albini rather than myself.

Isab. Here comes your little pet.

Vict. I am not in the humour for him now.

Enter running up to  and taking hold of her gown, but she takes no notice of him, while he holds up his mouth to be kissed. ''Isab. to Mir.'' Thou seest the princess ca'nt be troubled with thee.

Mir. O! but she will! I'll scramble up her robe. As naughty boys do when they climb for apples.

Isab. Come here, sweet child; I'll kiss thee in her stead.

Mir. Nay, but I will not have a kiss of thee. Would I were tall! O! were I but so tall!

Isab. And how tall wouldst thou be?

Mir.Thou dost not know? Just tall enough to reach Victoria's lips.

Vict, (embracing him.) O! I must bend to this, thou little urchin.