University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

—A PRISON.
GWENDYLEN, and a SOLDIER.
SOLDIER.
Fair prisoner, thou art free.

GWENDYLEN.
Transporting sounds!
Our princely advocate has then prevailed;
And Gwendylen, restored to all the sweets
Of dear domestic duty, shall in peace
Cherish the parent, whom her love preserved.
My honest friend! for these thy blissful tidings
And all thy pity past, may every saint,
Who smiles upon the merciful, protect
Thee, and thy children! Why dost thou receive
My benediction with an air of sadness?

SOLDIER.
To think thy virtuous joy must turn to anguish,
When thou art told, as soon, alas! thou must be,
Thou only art released, because thy father
Is fallen again into captivity.

GWENDYLEN.
O! do not say so! rather let me hear
Eternal bondage is ordained my portion,
So he may 'scape with freedom! art thou sure?
My foolish heart, that vainly would attempt
To disbelieve thy tidings, now receives
The fatal full conviction.