University of Virginia Library

SCENE X.

The Stage darken'd.
Godrick and Albert.
Godr.
It is already dark, and this the Place:
'Twill not be long ere Ariana comes.

Albert.
O whisper in her Ear some friendly Power,
That Albert waits the promis'd Boon of Love:
Some Star direct her to my longing Arms,
Then hide thy Head to make our Joys secure.
O, Godrick! how I long to fold my Arms
Around that Object of my tend'rest Wish;
Draw in her balmy Breath with eager Kisses,
And melt away in Ecstasy and Transport!
Thou Friend to all my Hopes; whose kind Concern
Is ever watchful for thy Albert's Peace,
What vast Arrears of Kindness do I owe
Thy gen'rous Love, unweary'd for my Weal!
To thee I am beholden for this Bliss;
A Debt to burthen more that vast Account
Of all the Pleasures, Comforts of my Life.

Godr.
O pay not Duty with such lavish Praise;
Could Manhood labour less at Honour's Call?
No, Albert, all I've done your Virtue claim'd;
It was a Debt in Friendship justly due.
Hark!—I hear soft treading!—it must be she,
The Mistress of thy Vows, thy Ariana.