University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

Young Freeman.
Ah! is the cloud that hover'd o'er my head
So soon dispers'd! It is;
And the gay sun breaks brighter on my eye.
See! the dear angel of my comfort comes!
Say, heav'nly fair, tell me, thou faithful bride,
By what assisting pow'r you broke the toils
Which my foes pitch'd for you, and shun'd their hands
To find your constant and your tender mate?

Charlotte.
I wanted, and I sought, no pow'r but love
To guide me to you: soon as I saw
We cou'd not change my father's resolution
To tare me from you, I conceal'd myself,
Waiting till night had spread her friendly shade
That unobserv'd I might escape, and fly
To you for succour; which if you deny me,

I have no refuge but in death. Your gentle father,
when I enter'd his hospitable gate, met me and took

me kindly by the hand, and with a tender smile say'd,
welcome thou lovely guest, go in, and find one that
will give you as much comfort as you bring to him.

Y. Freeman.
Yes,
You shall find comfort and a welcome here:
I'll be the castle of my love's defence;
My father and my mother both shall join
To guard the outworks; and no pow'r on earth
Shall force you from me.

Mrs. Freeman.
Excuse my child what yesterday you hear'd.
Fall from my tongue; and believe that heaven cou'd
not send
A guest more welcome to me than yourself.