University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Sigismunda's Apartment.
Sigismunda. Laura.
Laura.
Heavens! 'tis a fearful Night!

Sigismunda.
Ah! the black Rage
Of midnight Tempest, or th' assuring Smiles
Of radiant Morn are equal all to me.
Nought now has Charms or Terrors to my Breast,
The Seat of stupid Woe!—Leave me, my Laura.
Kind Rest, perhaps, may hush my Woes a little—
Oh for that quiet Sleep that knows no Morning!

Laura.
Madam, indeed I know not how to go.
Indulge my Fondness—Let me watch a while
By your sad Bed, till these dread Hours shall pass.

Sigismunda.
Alas! what is the Toil of Elements,
This idle Perturbation of the Sky,
To what I feel within—Oh that the Fires
Of pitying Heaven would point there Fury here!
Goodnight, my dearest Laura!

Laura.
Oh I know not
What this Oppression means—but 'tis with pain,
With Tears, I can persuade myself to leave you—
Well then—Goodnight, my dearest Sigismunda!