Page:Dramas 3.pdf/206

204

Not to extend thine absence for a day Beyond the added time which thou hast mentioned.

Upon this hand, so lovely and so dear, Not to be absent for a day—an hour Longer than sad necessity compels me. But thou meanwhile wilt keep me in thy thoughts. Write to me often; wilt thou not, Rosella? And be to me, in whate'er clime or country A wayward fate may doom me to reside, The very gleam and warmth of my existence.

A wayward fate may doom thee to reside! What words are these? Thou never wilt return! (Wringing her hands in anguish.)

Begone, begone! thy weakness will betray us. Sister; thou givest way to apprehension, Like a poor perverse wife who has been spoil'd With long indulgence. 'T is a paltry proof Of thy affection in an hour like this, To add to his distress. Fie! be more generous!

And art thou angry with me, gentle Maurice? Thou art not wont to chide. O, woe is me!