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Thy true intrusted friend I still shall be.

De Mon. Ah, Jane, forbear! I cannot e'en to thee.

Jane. Then fy upon it! fy upon it, Monfort! There was a time when e'en with murder stain'd, Had it been possible that such dire deed Could e'er have been the crime of one so piteous, Thou would'st have told it me.

De Mon. So would I now—but ask of this no more. All other trouble but the one I feel I had disclos'd to thee. I pray thee spare me. It is the secret weakness of my nature.

Jane. Then secret let it be; I urge no farther. The eldest of our valiant father's hopes, So sadly orphan'd, side by side we stood, Like two young trees, whose boughs, in early strength, Screen the weak saplings of the rising grove, And brave the storm together— I have so long, as if by nature's right, Thy bosom's inmate and adviser been, I thought thro' life I should have so remain'd, Nor ever known a change. Forgive me, Monfort, A humbler station will I take by thee: The close attendant of thy wand'ring steps; The cheerer of this home, by strangers sought; The soother of those griefs I must not know, This is mine office now: I ask no more,

De Mon. Oh Jane! thou dost constrain me with thy love!