 | Werter |  |
SCENE III.
A grand Apartment in ALBERT's House.ALBERT discovered amongst his Friends.
Albert.
Most welcome all!—O this kind friendly sight!
Doubles the pleasures of the bridal day,
And gives to Albert purest happiness!
But not alone to him—all, all shall share it—
For Charlotte like the fun, her power exerts;
She shines with equal lustre upon all;
Warms each cold heart, and chears each languid soul.
This day has made her mine—and for that gift
It shall be chronicl'd most sacred here!
But wherefore comes she not?
Enter LAURA.
Albert.
My gentle Laura,
Where is the truant bride?
Laura.
Alas! my Lord,
I left her musing on the hapless tale
Thy kindness had conceal'd—But now she heard
That Werter fled last night.
Albert.
Then could I share her grief!
For still I hop'd wishes would prevail.
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Albert.
My lovely partner—
Charlotte.
Pardon, my Lord,
This long neglect, but.—
Albert.
Nay, name it not—
These friends are come to mingle in the general joy,
And share your Albert's bliss.
Charlotte.
They are most welcome.
Albert.
Now would the measure of my joys be full,
Was there not wanting to compleat my hopes—
Charlotte—our mutual hopes—one honest friend!
One, whose aspiring virtues would have charm'd
Each heart to rapture—one, whose noble spirit
Merits of Albert.—
Charlotte.
If thy Charlotte's peace,
Or that her happiness be worth a thought,
Never, O never name him! Let the fatal sound
Sink in oblivion! so shall our mutual peace
Rise to perfection.
Albert.
I have no more to say—
Let music sound!
Here follows the EPITHALAMIUM set by Mr. RAUZZINI.
(appointed)
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(to Charlotte, observing her sad.)
Music was won't to elevate your soul,
And double every joy!—why has it lost its charms?
Charlotte.
Oh, it recalls past actions of my life!
And brings to memory those unhappy thoughts
That ever pierce my soul—but, Albert, once
I had no sorrows—once no bitter thoughts
To wound reflection—then the lively sounds
Added new pleasures, and my ravish'd heart
Bounded with joy!—but now—
Albert.
Nay, it is not kind,
Thus to be mourning on the happy day
That makes thee mine—I shall in truth complain.
If sorrow thus engages all your thoughts,
And none are left for Albert, or for love.
Charlotte.
'Twas but a sudden weakness of the soul,
Which now is fled—but oh! thou generous man.
Think not I mean to sorrow at the fate
That made thee mine.—No, by you powers above,
I would be not else but what I am,
To be the mistress of a monarch's love!
Albert.
And I would rather of thy gifts partake
Than share the pleasures of the fairest fair,
That yet trod earth.
(A servant enters and whispers Albert.)
Albert.
We will attend—my friends
We're summon'd to partake the feast—lead on—
Let sorrow's vapours now disperse away,
And general pleasure crown this festive hour.
[Exeunt. Flourish of music.
| Werter | |