Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/422

RODRIGO.

Heav'n bless thee, little flower! I prize thee more

Than all the pride of female stateliness.

ELLA.

Dost thou? then I am happy: I am proud:

I will not wish me other than I am.

RODRIGO.

Ah, if we part not instantly, my Ella,

I feel in faith, rude as my nature is,
I soon shall be like thee!—My friends approach:
Let us not meet their gaze—It must be so—
Sweet one, farewel!—Wilt thou still cling to me?

ELLA.

O no, I go: they shall not see thee weep,

Tho' I do bless thee for it.

RODRIGO (leading her hastily back to the door by which they entered).

Well then, brave lass, upon thy lovely head

Heaven's favour rest!—Nay, do not speak to me.

(Preventing her as she is endeavouring to speak.)

Farewel! farewel! (Exit Ella, and he returns to the front of the stage, where he stands musing sorrowfully; when enters to him Justiniani, and, going up to him, touches his shoulder.)

What dost thou want?(Turning angrily.)