University of Virginia Library

SCENE VIII.

Ariana
Sola.
Hah,—wed with Castor!—No:—I never can;
The only hateful Object to my Eyes.—
If Hymen must be courted,—Albert, thou,
Of all thy Sex canst only make me happy;
Whose faithful Flame has borne thro' all the Damps
Of Vows neglected, of a Parent's Rage,
And haughty Insults to thy pleaded Love.
Now Gratitude confirms my former Choice,
For suff'ring Constancy! Yes, gentle Youth,
I would repay thy Passion,—as I ought.
Hear, sacred Pow'rs who Truth and Honour aid,
This fond Petition of a sighing Maid;
In ev'ry Virtue make my Albert grow,
And give my Father all his Worth to know;
To soften fierce Resentments now profest,
And make his Child in all her Wishes blest.