Page:Poems of Anne Countess of Winchilsea 1903.djvu/441

 COUNTESS OF WINCHILSEA 303 �Least if they found itt had a false foundation, �They shou'd not urge the plott on Aubusson. �Nor will she in the midst of her disgrace �Declare the truth, �For fear her lover, shou'd yett more detest her. �Tho' if she shou'd, 'twere easy to posesse �The censuring world, that 'twas contrived still �To secure the Master, his nephew only 100 �Took itt to himself. �And to keep off all proofs of former love, �I've stole the contract, and all other pledges �Which they might have produc'd to gain beleif. �But 'tis the time that Lauredan expects me, �Whose harmlesse purpose too, shall serve my ends, �And may the projects of this fatal night, �On those I hate, in blood, & ruine light. [Exit. �The scene changes to the Queen's dressing-Room, a toilett spread, Enter the Queen and Clarilla �Queen. The hour is come in wJiich I us'd to rest, But rest is not so forward as the hour. Leave me awhile to think away my sorrows, And when that's done, I will again recall thee. [Exit Clar. He wish'd me peace, �But to posesse itt, I must n'er have seen him. He wish'd me pow'r, yett knew not at that moment, But I might have employ'd itt to his ruine. He nam'd the joys, the mighty joys of love, And oh ! me thought, that word so well became him, 10 �I cou'd have stood to hear him speak itt ever. Why, did I fondly wish again to see him, And hope a cure, from what first bred my pain? Oh! I have done, as hasty gamesters use, Who having lost part of their shining store, Sett all the rest, on one adventurous cast, ��� �