Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/27

Rh

Hast thou some new associate to propose?

Know ye the younger branch of Valvo's house? Whose valiant father left him but his sword And his proud spirit, thro' this changeful world To shape his way, with heart as truly tempered To all the softest witch'ries of refinement As e'er own'd cherish'd heir of wide domains, In palace nurs'd.

I've seen him when a youth. But he since then has of a foreign state The soldier been; and had not now returned, But in the hope, 'tis laid, of being heir To his great uncle's vast and rich possessions, Of which that villain Hubert has depriv'd him With treach'rous wiles. Poor heart! he has my pity. 'Tis said a ling'ring fever seiz'd upon him From disappointment; and I marvel not; The stroke was most severe.

And felt more keenly, For that he left behind him, in the country To which he now belongs, a gentle maid And his betroth'd, with whom he thought to share