University of Virginia Library

THE ASSIGNATION.

A DUET.

Mr. Horn.
When the silver moon is shining,
Will you come, my hopes to bless?

Miss Graddon.
Ah! no, then in sleep reclining,
I shall dream of nothing less.

Mr. Horn.
Thrilling treasures—heav'nly pleasures,
Shall requite your angel stay;

Miss Graddon.
Thrilling treasures—heavenly pleasures,
That will with the hour away.

Mr. Horn.
Ah! no let my sighs prevail, dear;

Miss Graddon.
No: a seraph's sighs would fail here.

Mr. Horn.
When sweet dews the skies are weeping,

Miss Graddon.
I might weep, were I not sleeping.

Mr. Horn.
The stars shall vouch my honor, then.

Miss Graddon.
Stars they stray as well as men.

Mr. Horn.
Stray their favorites spheres to view, love:
Ah! then do as bright stars do, love.

Miss Graddon.
No: in vain you'd have me roam, sir,
Woman's sphere is still at home, sir.

Mr. Horn.
Why should love e'er meet distrust?

Miss Graddon.
Why should love e'er prove unjust?

Mr. Horn.
Think you, then, I could deceive you?

Miss Graddon.
Should I, may I, sir, believe you?

Mr. Horn.
Yes, yes, ever.

Miss Graddon.
No, no, never.
Well, for once, I will believe you,—
Will confide in night and you.

Mr. Horn.
Dearest maid, I'll not deceive you,
I'll but sigh a vow or two.
When the abbey clock strikes ten,
You will meet me then, love, then.

Miss Graddon.
Then?

Mr. Horn.
Yes, yes, then.

Miss Graddon.
No, not then.

Mr. Horn.
Yes, yes, then.

Miss Graddon.
Well then—then.

Mr. Horn.
At ten.

Miss Graddon.
At ten.

Ambo.
Then! then!
Then to end each dubitation,
Then for rapturous explanation,
Hopes fulfilled, doubts vanish'd then;
Hour of uncheck'd acceptation,
Fail not, love's fond assignation,
Then love, then! at ten, love, ten!
Adieu! Adieu!