 | Alfred |  |
SCENE I.
Emma, and other shepherdesses.Emma.
Yes, Edith, we will watch, till morning shines,
Around this cottage, now made rich and glorious—
Who durst have thought such wonders?—by a queen,
And her bright offspring! Thou, mean while, invoke,
With sounds of soothing strain, the gentle sleep
To pour his timely vapours on their eye-lids.
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sings.
I.
In cooling stream, O sweet repose,Those balmy dews distill,
That steal the mourner from his woes,
And bid despair be still.
II.
Prolong the smiling infant's rest,Who yet no sorrow knows:
But O the mother's bleeding breast
To softest peace compose!
III.
For her the fairest dreams adorn,That wave on fancy's wing;
The purple of ascending morn,
The bloom of opening spring.
IV.
Let all, that soothes the soul or charms,Her midnight hour employ;
Till blest again in Alfred's arms,
She wakes to real joy.
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Alas! she comes. Let us withdraw, my friends.
Her sorrows claim all reverence: and 'tis meet
We leave her to herself.
| Alfred | |