University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Mrs. Freeman enters.
Mrs. Freeman.
Was ever pleasant Morn o'ercast like this!
O! my lov'd Son, for much expected Joy,
Array yourself with Sadness and Despair.
I have receiv'd such fatal Tidings as
I dread to tell.

Y. Freeman.
They have already reach'd
My Ear, and deeply enter'd in my Heart.
Madam, retire, and leave to me to guide
The shipwreck'd Bark thro such a Storm as this.
What Comfort I can bring my honour'd Mother
She may be sure I'll give.

Mrs. Freeman.
Talk not to me
Of Comfort; I'll have none; for none do I
Deserve. O! cou'd I but recall the Hour
In which my Pride drove me to Briar's House,
Contented I'd meet Death in any Form!

Y. Freeman.
My dearest Mother, add no recent Griefs
To those which now are scarcely to be borne.
O! my poor Charlotte, what hast thou to feel!

Mrs. Freeman.
The Torrent has o'erwhelm'd that lovely Flow'r;
Which I committed to the Care of those
Who will not be unmindful of their Charge.

Y. Freeman.
That Charge be only mine.