University of Virginia Library

SCENE IX.

Enter Ruffians, who seize Agusta and Gustava.
Pluck them asunder! We shall prove you, Lady!
'Tis my damn'd Lot, thus ever to be cross'd
With rank blown Pride, and Insolence eternal.

Gustava.
O Mother, take me, take me from these Men,
They fright me with their Looks.

Agusta.
Alas, my Child, I cannot take thee from them.

Gustava.
O, they will hurt me: can't you take me, Mother?

Agusta.
They can't, they cannot hurt you, my Gustava.
Fear not, my little one, your Name shou'd be
A Charm o'er Cowardice, for you are call'd
After your valiant Brother; he'll disown you,
He will not love you, if you fear, Gustava.

Cristina.
Ah! I can hold no longer. Royal Sir,
Thus on my Knees, and lower, lower still—

Crist.
My Child! What mean you?

Cristina.
O my gracious Father!
Kill, kill me rather—let me perish first;
But do not stain the Sanctity of Kings
With the sweet Blood of helpless Innocence;
Do not, my Father! Spare the little Orphans,
And let the Lambs go free!

Agusta.
Ha! who art thou?
That look'st so like the 'Habitants of Heav'n,
Like Mercy sent upon the Morning's Blush,
To glad the Heart, and cheer a gloomy World
With Light 'till now unknown?

Crist.
Away, they come.
I'll hear no more of your ill-tim'd Petitions.

Cristina.
O yet for Pity!

Crist.
I will none on't, leave me.
Pity! it is the infant Fool of Nature:
Tear off her Hold, and bear her to her Tent.

[Ex. Cristina, Mar. Laer. and Attendants.