University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

A Garden.
Young Freeman and Charlotte.
Y. Freeman.
This morning's sun shines on the happyest husband
That ever yet possess'd a lovely bride.
The author of our beings and our joys
Gave us a taste of paradise to come
In the rich transports of the bridal night.
Behold, my love, the splendid eye of day
Looks o'er the hills in brightness all aray'd,
While at our feet the flow'rs send up their sweets,
And ev'ry tree, and bush, is melody,
As if all nature hail'd us to our bliss.

Charlotte.
I'm surely bless'd beyond the lot of wives:
I cou'd say much upon our happy state;
But you have spoke; yet all that you have say'd
Falls short of my conception of my happyness.

Y. Freeman.
Hide not a blush, a blush the morning wears.
With what delight I feast my ravish'd eyes,
While ev'ry touch fills all my veins with pleasure!

Charlotte.
I've not a want, my dearest Freeman, now,
But my poor mother's and my father's smiles;
Which I shall soon behold; for your good father
Went early out to seek the wish'd-for guests,
And bring them hither.

Y. Freeman.
Swift ye minutes run,
And give to my embrace that honour'd pair,
To whom I owe the spring of all my joys!
In this dear bosom of unrifled sweets
Is all the treasure of my soul repos'd.