Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/107

(Seeing Cath. go towards the sand-glass.)

Cath. (shewing the glass.) A better story I will tell thee now;

The midnight watch is past.

Or. Ha! let me see.

Cath. There's not one sand to run.

Or. But it is barely past.

Cath. 'Tis more than past.
For I did set it later than the hour,
To be assur'dly sure.

Or. Then it is gone indeed. O heaven be praised!
The fearful gloom gone by!

(Holding up her hands in gratitude to heaven, and then looking round her with cheerful animation.)

In truth, already

I feel as if I breath'd the morning air:
I'm marvellously lighten'd.

Cath.Ne'ertheless,
Thou art forspent: I'll run to my apartment,
And fetch some cordial drops that will revive thee.

Or. Thou need'st not go; I've ta'en thy drops already:
I'm bold and buoyant grown.
(Bounding lightly from the floor.)

Cath. I'll soon return:
Thou art not fearful now?

Or.No; I breathe lightly;
Valour within me grows most powerfully,
Would'st thou but stay to see it, gentle Cathrine.