University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Charlotte.
My Father, O! my ever honour'd Father,
Let not your Resolution made in Anger
Destroy the Peace, and break the tender Heart,
Of your much lov'd, and ever loving, Daughter,
In your Resentment to a haughty Woman.

Briar.
Did she not treat that Daughter with Disdain?
I never will forgive th'insulting Dame:
If you're desirous of a Father's Love,
Banish young Freeman from your Breast forever.

Charlotte.
Impute not to my Freeman, my dear Freeman,
A Fault that's not his own, no Part his own:
I dare engage, for him and for his Father,
That neither gave Consent to what she has done:
Unknown to them, she rashly has pursued
The Dictates of her Pride and settled Hate.

Briar.
Then from that Pride and settled Hate shall grow
Plagues which shall taint her ev'ry Hour of Life.
I'll send you to your Uncle: his Regard
For you will equal mine: he has a Son,
Who long has view'd you with a Lover's Eye,
Whose Honesty and Industry will make you
A joyful Mother and a happy Wife.

Charlotte.
O! name no Husband for your Child but Freeman:
I have a Reason, Sir, which I cou'd give,
That wou'd disarm you of your Rage, and change
Your Resolution.—Look on me with Pity:
I cannot leave my Love, nor wou'd offend
My Father whom I love.—O! woeful Case!
Here comes my Advocate; to whom I fly
For Refuge; in whose Breast I must repose
The Secret of our Marriage.