Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/310

278

And so it is; the gradual shine Spreads o'er heaven's verge its lengthen'd line: Cloud after cloud begins to glow And tint the changeful deep below; Now sombre red, now amber bright, Till upward breaks the blazing light; Like floating fire the gleamy billows burn: Far distant on the ruddy tide, A black'ning sail is seen to glide; Loud bursts their eager joyful cry, Their hoisted signal waves on high, And life and strength and happy thoughts return.

Ter. Is not her voice improved in power and sweetness?

Ed. It is a cheering song.

Aur. It cheers those who are cheer'd. (After a pause.) Twelve years are past; Their daughters matrons grown, their infants youths, And they themselves with aged furrows mark'd; But none of all their kin are yet return'd; No, nor shall ever.

Ter. Still run thy thoughts upon those hapless women Of that small hamlet, whose advent'rous peasants To Palestine with noble Baldwin went, And ne'er were heard of more? Aur. They perish'd there; and of their dismal fate No trace remain'd—none of them all return'd.