University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Siffredi. Osmond. Sigismunda. Laura.
Siffredi.
My Daughter,
Behold my noble Friend who courts thy Hand,
And whom to call my Son I shall be proud;
Nor shall I less be pleas'd, in his Alliance,
To see Thee happy.

Osmond.
Think not, I presume,
Madam, on this your Father's kind Consent
To make me blest. I love you from a Heart,
That seeks your Good superior to my own;
And will, by every Art of tender Friendship,
Consult your dearest Welfare. May I hope,
Yours does not disavow your Father's Choice?

Sigismunda.
I am a Daughter, Sir—and have no Power
O'er my own Heart—I die—Support me, Laura.

[Faints.
Siffredi.
Help!—Bear Her off—She breathes—my Daughter!—

Sigismunda.
Oh!—
Forgive my Weakness—Soft—my Laura, lead me—
To my Apartment.

Siffredi.
Pardon me, my Lord,
If by this sudden Accident alarm'd,
I leave you for a Moment.