Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/68

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Hugh. No more, for here she comes.

Enter, attended by and , and  ''seats himself in his chair of state, the vassals, &c. ranging themselves on each side.''

Hugh. (to Orra.) Madam and ward, placed under mine authority, And to my charge committed by my kinsman, Ulric of Aklenberg, thy noble father; Having all gentle means essay'd to win thee To the fulfilment of his dying will, That did decree his heiress should be married With Glottenbal my heir; I solemnly Now call upon thee, ere that rougher means Be used for this good end, to promise truly, Thou wilt, within a short and stated time, Before the altar give thy plighted faith To this my only son. I wait thine answer. Orra of Aldenberg, wilt thou do this?

Or. Count of the same, my lord and guardian, I will not.

Hugh.Have a care, thou froward maid! 'Tis thy last opportunity: ere long Thou shalt, within a dreary dwelling pent, Count thy dull hours, told by the dead man's watch, And wish thou had'st not been so proudly wilful.

Or. And let my dull hours by the dead man's watch Be told; yea, make me too the dead man's mate,