Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/315

Rh

Aur. Ah! be not stern. Edda will sing the song That makes feet beat and heads nod to its tune; And even grave Terentia will be moved To think of pleasant things.

Wish'd for gales, the light vane veering, Better dreams the dull night cheering, Lighter heart the morning greeting, Things of better omen meeting; Eyes each passing stranger watching, Ears each feeble rumour catching, Say he existeth still on earthly ground, The absent will return, the long, long lost be found.

In the tower the ward-bell ringing, In the court the carols singing, Busy hands the gay board dressing, Eager steps the threshold pressing, Open'd arms in haste advancing, Joyful looks thro' blind tears glancing, The gladsome bounding of his aged hound, Say he in truth is here, our long, long lost is found.

Hymned thanks and beadsmen praying, With sheath'd sword the urchin playing, Blazon'd hall with torches burning, Cheerful morn in peace returning, Converse sweet that strangely borrows Present bliss from former sorrows; O who can tell each blessed sight and sound That says, he with us bides, our long, long lost is found.