The Ephesian Matron A Comic Serenata, After the Manner of the Italian |
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| 4. | SCENE IV. |
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 | The Ephesian Matron |  |
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SCENE IV.
The Centurion, the Maid, the Matron rising from the Ground.MATRON.
Who'd comfort to a wretch afford?
Gone near half way to meet my lord,
You fetch me back.
MAID.
Upon my word,
I'm very glad your journey's stopt.
CENTURION.
Fair creature, gentler thoughts adopt;
You have fulfill'd your nuptial vow;
To yourself do justice now;
Nor sacrifice, by cruel wrong,
A nymph so handsome and so young.
MAID.
The rogue has a bewitching tongue.
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He's very good I must allow,
To take a widow's part so kindly.
CENTURION.
Then follow not destruction blindly;
Nor the gifts of Heav'n abuse,
But eat and live.
MATRON.
Indeed, I swore
Never to taste a morsel more:
But since through pity you intrude
Upon my sorrows, 'twould be rude
The proffer'd succour to refuse.
CENTURION.
Here is the meat, my lovely dear!
But first your drooping spirits cheer.
A flask of wine I've got by stealth:
'Tis strong and old,
And from the cold
Upon my post this night has fenc'd me.
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I vow and swear it goes against me:
However—Sir, your health.
DUET.
Centu.
By Venus, mother of desire,
Your eyes have set me all on fire!
There's magic in your touch.
Your eyes have set me all on fire!
There's magic in your touch.
Matron.
My eyes! dear Sir—a-well-a-day!
Tears must have wash'd their power away:
Indeed you say too much.
Tears must have wash'd their power away:
Indeed you say too much.
Centu.
My heart is Cupid's drum,
He beats a march and cries, Come,
Come, follow me your chief.
He beats a march and cries, Come,
Come, follow me your chief.
Matron.
My heart's in perturbation;
I too, feel a palpitation;
But 'tis the effects of grief.
I too, feel a palpitation;
But 'tis the effects of grief.
A., 2.
What shall I do!
O tell me, who
Can ease the pangs I feel?
O tell me, who
Can ease the pangs I feel?
'Tis love—'tis grief,
Bring some relief,
A wounded heart to heal.
Bring some relief,
A wounded heart to heal.
| The Ephesian Matron | |