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SCENE V.
Albemarle, Arden, Elvina.Elvina.
You sent for me, my father?
Albemarle.
Yes, my child.
In these heroic but disastrous times
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To let such great occasion pass away,
Nor mark it with renown? Who does not hear
The voice of glory when his country calls?
A change of times arranges human minds,
And noblest spirits find the highest place.
Your's, as becomes you, is a brilliant sphere.
This hero, chosen to the chief command
Of England's patriot host, intreats your hand
In noble love; the Barons have agreed,
The time requires, and I have pledg'd my word
That he shall be your husband.
Elvina.
Heavens! My husband!—
Arden.
Let not my honest speech offend thee, Lady.
Bred in a camp, my business has been war.
The tent has been my home; and oft this hand
Has reap'd the harvest of the bloody field.
If high respect for your illustrious line,
And true affection to a form so fair,
Win your approving smile, you send me forth
Your champion to the field, at once to gain
The palm of beauty and the prize of arms.
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My Lord, my heart yet trembles from the shock
Of such a serious unforeseen event,
On which my future destiny may turn.
Forgive me, if alarm'd, I seek to pour
My secret accents in a father's ear.
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