University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Weldon enters.
Weldon.
There stands a Friend, so much he shares my Heart,
Whose Peace I value equal to my own;
Yet must his Ears receive a Tale from me
Which to his early, his ecstatic, Joys
Will prove like Blightings to the budding Flow'rs:
But 'tis a Tale that, if I shou'd not tell it,
He soon must hear from a less friendly Voice.
[To himself.
Joy to my Freeman and his charming Bride;
And much I wish that I cou'd give you both,
As you deserve, more Comfort than I bring.

Y. Freeman.
Welcome the dear Companion of my Youth,
My much lov'd Weldon: thou art come to share,
And to encrease, the Pleasures of the Day:
But, my dear faithful Friend, methinks you wear
A Sadness in your Countenance, that suits
The present Hour but ill.

Weldon.
I've at my Heart
A Burden which I must unload to you,
And that to you alone; and, tho the Season
Seems but ill chosen for a Task like this,
It must not be delay'd.

Y. Freeman.
Go in, my Love:
Thou Beauty who art always in my Eye!

Charlotte.
Whate'er my Beauty is, my only Pride
Is plac'd in my Obedience and my Love.

[She goes.