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Of love in mine. Oh! banish me, or give

Me hope. You hesitate—

Edith.I know not why

I should. You cannot doubt which way I must

Decide.

Lord H.Oh! music—speak again!

Edith.I felt

This long ago—but hardly look’d for it

So soon. Yet every day it seem’d so near,

And then receded, then return’d again,

Taking distincter form; and now ’tis come,

And will recede no more, and questions me,

And will not be denied. I knew ’twould find

A voice at last! and wondered when, and how,

And often made brave answers in my thoughts.

But now I want them, all my words are gone.

Yet few are needed—none, perchance, you think!

There—for the love thou gav’st, I give thee mine!

Lord H. And I, who need them most, am poorer still.

My words are in my life to come. Years hence,

Should quick resentments chance between us—such

As show most hasty in the most generous,

Casting dark shadows on the blood and temper—

Recall this hour, and erring nature, by

Sweet love rebuked, shall make thee rich amends.

And thou art mine?—my very own!—my Edith!

Mine, come what may? for these are days of change

And license—a dark volume none can read.

Edith. What pledge wilt thou exact of my true faith?

Lord H. This ring!—wear this in token of our compact.

Edith. Place it upon my finger. I accept

The bond heaven witnesses, and none may sever!

Lord H. Within an hour I’ll see your father—

Edith.No—

Let this night pass away—our revel chafes him.

To-morrow—or the next day. When the shock

Of company is over, he will be

In better mood to hear thee.

Lord H.’Tis a task

To try love’s patience. Think! to-morrow. But

I’ll follow thy sweet counsel, as the first

Of a long reign of wishes and commands;

And thou shalt guide me thus to many bright

To-morrows—aye,and next days, too!—made glad

By thy dear smiles. To-morrow then, thy father!

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