Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/157

Rh

There is a ray of light breaks thro' thy tale, And I could leap like madmen in their freaks, So blessed is the gleam! Ah! no, no, no! It cannot be, alas! it cannot be! Yet didst thou say she urg'd it earnestly? She is a woman, who avoids all share In secret politicks; one only charge Her int'rest claims, Victoria's guardian friend— And she would have me hence—it must be so. O! would it were! how saidst thou, gentle Rosinberg? She urged it earnestly—how did she urge it? Nay, pri'thee, do not stare upon me thus, But tell me all her words. What said she else?

Ros. O Basil! I could laugh to see thy folly, But that thy weakness doth provoke me so. Most admirable, brave, determin'd man! So well, so lately try'd, what art thou now? A vain deceitful thought transports thee thus. Thinkst thou

Bas.I will not tell thee what I think.

Ros. But I can guess it well, and it deceives thee. Leave this detested place, this fatal court, Where damn'd deceitful cunning plots thy ruin. A soldier's duty calls thee loudly hence. The time is critical. How wilt thou feel When they shall tell these tidings in thine ear. That brave Piscaro, and his royal troops, Our valiant fellows, have the en'my fought, Whilst we, so near at hand, lay loit'ring here?