Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/50



To peace—which is forgetfulness: I mean The Vesper-bell. I pray you, let it be The summons to our bridal—Hear you not? To our fair bridal!

Lady, let your will Appoint each circumstance. I am but too bless'd Proving my homage thus.

Why, then, 't is mine To rule the glorious fortunes of the day, And I may be content. Yet much remains For thought to brood on, and I would be left Alone with my resolves. Kind Eribert! (Whom I command so absolutely,) now Part we a few brief hours; and doubt not, when I am at thy side once more, but I shall stand There—to the last.

Your smiles are troubled, lady; May they ere long be brighter!—Time will seem Slow till the vesper-bell.

'Tis lovers' phrase To say—time lags; and therefore meet for you: But with an equal pace the hours move on, Whether they bear, on their swift silent wing, Pleasure or—fate.

Be not so full of thought On such a day.—Behold, the skies themselves Look on my joy with a triumphant smile, Unshadow'd by a cloud,

'Tis very meet