Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/404

ELLA (starting).

What voice is that which names me?

PETRONIUS.

Ella!

ELLA.

Oh! 'tis the sound that I most dread to hear!

PETRONIUS.

Say'st thou so, Ella, of thy father's voice?

Have my misfortunes, with the world's fair favour,
Depriv'd me also of my only child?

ELLA.

No, no! they have not: had misfortune only

Cast its dark shade upon thee, I had lov'd thee
And cherish'd thee in a lone desert, father.
But—but thou art———

PETRONIUS.

Ha! wherefore dost thou pause?

What would'st thou say? what is there in thy mind?

ELLA.

Thoughts which I will not utter.—Oh, depart!

Thou'rt not in safety. All men do condemn thee.
Thou art not come for good.—Oh, fly from hence!
Ruin, and shame, and death abide thee here:
Oh, fly, my wretched father.