Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/426

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CONSTANTINE PALEOLOGUS;

OTHUS.

Yes, our great chief and brother: of your friends

There lacks not one.

CONSTANTINE.

Then to their love, so help me, Mighty Power,

Who hold'st within thy grasp the souls of men!
Neither shall we be lacking.——Now, Valeria.

(Drawing himself up with a proud but tender smile, as if to encourage her to behave nobly.)

VALERIA.

I understand that smile.

Here with thy gen'rous friends, whose love to thee
Most dearly celled in my heart I wear,
And unto whom I have desired much,
Before we part, these grateful thanks to pay—
(Making grateful obeisance to the chiefs.)
Here to those noble friends, and to God's keeping,
I leave thee.——Yet, be it permitted me—
For that thy noble head and lib'ral brow
Have ever cheer'd me as my star of day,
Blessings and blessings let me pour upon them!

(Putting her hand upon his head fervently, and kissing his forehead.)

For that thy gen'rous breast has been the hold

Of all my treasur'd wishes and dear thoughts,
This fond embrace.(Embracing him.)
Yea, and for that thou art