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The Ephesian Matron

A Comic Serenata, After the Manner of the Italian
  
  

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SCENE V.
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13

SCENE V.

The Centurion taking his Leave, the Matron, the Maid.
CENTURION.
A moment now I must be gone;
I guard hard by some gibbet thieves;
Another soon my watch relieves,
I will be here again anon.

MATRON.
Well, if you must be gone, you must,
No soldier shou'd neglect his post:
But I will candidly confess,
Your care was soothing my distress;
And 'twould have pleased me cou'd you just
Have staid to see me—give up the ghost.

14

AIR.
But before you go away, Sir,
As we ne'er may meet again;
Give me leave to thank you, pray Sir,
For the gen'rous care you've ta'en.
Well your candour might impeach me,
Was I blind to your desert;
But, tho' love can never reach me,
Friendship still may touch my heart.