Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/319

Rh

Recorded as within their walls receiv'd, His is not found; therefore we must account him With those who, shrouded in an unknown fate, Are as the dead lamented, as the dead For ever from our worldly care dismiss'd.

Aur. Lamented he shall be; but from my care Dismiss'd as are the dead—that is impossible.

Ter. Nay, listen to advice so wise and needful: It is the friend of Ermingard who says, Let him within thy mind be as the dead.

Aur. My heart repels the thought; it cannot be. No, till his corse, bereft of life, is found, Till this is sworn, and prov'd, and witness'd to me, Within my breast he shall be living still.

Ter. Wilt thou yet vainly watch night after night, To guide his bark who never will return?

Aur. Who never will return! And thinkest thou To bear me down with such presumptuous words? Heaven makes me strong against thee: There is a Power above that calms the storm, Restrains the mighty, gives the dead to life: I will in humble faith my watch still keep; Force only shall restrain me.

Gar. Force never shall, thou noble, ardent spirit! Thy gen'rous confidence would almost tempt me To think it will be justified.

Aur. Ha! say'st thou so? A blessing rest upon thee