University of Virginia Library

Scene. II.

Enter Florimel
Florimel.
Where'er I wander—wheresoe'er I am,
The image of my much-lov'd Guyon seems
To appear before me.—Ofttimes I frequent
Yon lonely glade, where we were wont to walk;
Where he so often pour'd his tender vows,
And pledged me his troth.—When silent night
Wraps in her sable Mantle half the Globe,
In transient dreams I see him—when in haste
Fondly I strive to rush into his Arms
And welcome his return, he flies my presence:
And like the Phantoms in the Morning Clouds,
The dear delusion melts into thin Air.—
Nor is this all—Suspicion looks askaunce
On all my smallest deeds—I'm scann'd around:
And oft the Duke lets fall ambiguous words,
Which, were I prone to doubting, or suspect,
Would lead to question e'en Sir Guyon's love;
Or, what I scarce dare think, suggest his own.

Enter Fiducio.
Fiducio.
Why still alone?—why shun you the gay Throng
In which with silent majesty you shine?
Why ever pensive, sad, & melancholly?—
I bring fresh tidings from your faithful Lord,
Scarcely you heed me; or let fall a tear,
As if my news were sad.—Say Florimel!
What, save thy dear Lord's absence, gives thee pain?

Florimel.
His absence, good Fiducio! warrants all.
The tears I shed, the sighs I heave for him,
Are but poor tributes to his high deserts.
I mourn to think how little in return
My penury of merit will allow
Me, his unworthy chosen One, to give.—
But other cares oppress Me, good Fiducio!
Such as a Maiden jealous of her fame,
And spotless honor, ever ought to feel.

Fiducio.
Alas! what cares? impart them that I may,
In absence of my Friend, afford that comfort
Which may support you till his wisht Return.

Florimel.
What I suspect, perhaps may not be true.
Nor am I warranted to cast reproach
Where any doubt remains: nor call the hand
Of tender Pity, or the soothing aid
Of thy prompt friendship to relieve a weight
Which wayward Fancy only thinks it bears.
If ought from ground of my suspicion rise,
Of whatsoever growth, however foul,
Tho' rankest poison harbour in its care,
I will unfold it all to thee Fiducio!
Tho' thy assured faith I put to trial,
And urge that confidence I ne'er have doubted.
Exit Florimel

Fiducio
alone
What can this mean?—Such purity as her's
Suspects not but with Reason—I'll observe
With nicest circumspection all around;
And see by this if any Clue I find
To lead Me thro' the Labrynth of her doubt.

Exit.