Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/103

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Doth hold me back, and mars all thought.— Dread intercourse! O! if it look on me with its dead eyes! If it should move its lock'd and earthy lips, And utt'rance give to the grave's hollow sounds! If it stretch forth its cold and bony grasp— O horror, horror! Would that beneath these planks of senseless matter I could, until the dreadful hour is past, As senseless be! (striking the floor with her hands.) O open and receive me, Ye happy things of still and lifeless being, That to the awful steps which tread upon ye Unconscious are!

Who's there? Is't any thing?

Cath. 'Tis I, my dearest Lady; 'tis Cathrina.

Or. (embracing her.) How kind! such blessed kindness! keep thee by me; I'll hold thee fast; an angel brought thee hither. I needs must weep to think thou art so kind In mine extremity.—Where wert thou hid?

Cath. In that small closet, since the supper hour, I've been conceal'd. For searching round the chamber,