University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

King,
solus.
Why should the Bondman struggle with his Chains,
When his weak Efforts add the heavier Load,
When thinking to be free, he only thinks
With aggravated Pain, on what he is?
Am I a King, invested with a Power
To judge and punish a poor Subject's Crime;
And none to censure, judge, or punish me?
Oh frail abandon'd Monarch, royal Slave!
All, all claim Right to judge and censure Thee!
For Punishment no added Pains I need,
My Crime itself is Punishment too bad:
My useless Titles blaze but to display
My Weakness fuller to the publick Eye.
Charlotta! wherefore dwells my Soul on her?
I know she cannot, must not be possess'd,
And yet I know, I cannot cease to love;
My Resolutions, transitory Dreams,
Strong for one moment, and the next forgot:
Oh Heaven! find out some Medium for Redress,
Or give me her, or take away Desire.