University of Virginia Library

SCENE—A deep gloomy Thicket.
Erminia, Eemoine, a Page and other Attendants.
ERMINIA.
You told me, Bramville was to meet me here:
Alas, he comes not!—Of my innocence,
You said, you told him, how with tears of joy
He heard the tale. Alas! his faithful steps
Never, till now, thus linger'd—

EEMOINE.
Patience, Lady,
Is Heaven's own balm—

ERMINIA.
Oh fly, ye gloomy hours! what boding darkness
Rests on these moments—

EEMOINE.
'Tis the busy working
Of Fear's keen lively sense that leads your thoughts
Through waking dreams, where jealous terror shifts
The dim illusive scenery.

ERMINIA.
Fear and terror
Become my lorn condition well—Ere yet
The matin bell has toll'd its holy summons,
The impious Tyrant may perhaps for ever
Divorce the noble Raymond from my arms.
Oh Heaven protect him from my loath'd betrayers!
Oh give me back my Husband—

EEMOINE.
Utmost prudence, Lady,
Becomes us now: Bramville will soon relieve
Thy load of woes. Again I'll urge his coming.
[She dismisses the Page.
O yield not thus to unavailing passion!
Alas, a fever of the sickly mind
O'erpowers thee, Lady! hear thy weeping friend,
Yield me the poignard.

ERMINIA.
Yield my Honor's safeguard!
No; by my wrongs—

EEMOINE.
Oh Heaven, bethink thee, Lady,
What vain repentance may for ever weep
O'er one rash moment.

ERMINIA.
Yes; no vain repentance
Shall weep my honour's stain; with impious rage
The Tyrant burns; but this, perhaps, shall change
The fatal object that impassions him
Into a form of horror; or perhaps,
So guide me Heaven,—shall reek in his hot breast.
This, this were worthy gallant Raymond's spouse,
And not a coward's flight—
A coward's flight, thro' self-given death, but ill
Becomes the mind that feels its dignity
In vigorous health, and smiles upon itself.
And mine with joy reviews each wish, each thought,
That ere lived here—

[Concealing a dagger.
EEMOINE.
While Bramville tarries, Lady,
Yon shepherd's bower, where o'er the verdant bank
The roses and the woodbine emulate
The pinks and cowslips of the floor below;
Yon bower invites us to its safe retreat.

ERMINIA.
Oh Bramville, Bramville, speed thee!—this delay
[they retire.
Ill suits that generous friendly warmth which marks
Thy hoary age—

[the scene closes.