Of love in mine. Oh! banish me, or give
Me hope. You hesitate—
Edith.I know not why
I should. You cannot doubt which way I must
Decide.
Lord H.Oh! music—speak again!
Edith.I felt
This long ago—but hardly look’d for it
So soon. Yet every day it seem’d so near,
And then receded, then return’d again,
Taking distincter form; and now ’tis come,
And will recede no more, and questions me,
And will not be denied. I knew ’twould find
A voice at last! and wondered when, and how,
And often made brave answers in my thoughts.
But now I want them, all my words are gone.
Yet few are needed—none, perchance, you think!
There—for the love thou gav’st, I give thee mine!
Lord H. And I, who need them most, am poorer still.
My words are in my life to come. Years hence,
Should quick resentments chance between us—such
As show most hasty in the most generous,
Casting dark shadows on the blood and temper—
Recall this hour, and erring nature, by
Sweet love rebuked, shall make thee rich amends.
And thou art mine?—my very own!—my Edith!
Mine, come what may? for these are days of change
And license—a dark volume none can read.
Edith. What pledge wilt thou exact of my true faith?
Lord H. This ring!—wear this in token of our compact.
Edith. Place it upon my finger. I accept
The bond heaven witnesses, and none may sever!
Lord H. Within an hour I’ll see your father—
Edith.No—
Let this night pass away—our revel chafes him.
To-morrow—or the next day. When the shock
Of company is over, he will be
In better mood to hear thee.
Lord H.’Tis a task
To try love’s patience. Think! to-morrow. But
I’ll follow thy sweet counsel, as the first
Of a long reign of wishes and commands;
And thou shalt guide me thus to many bright
To-morrows—aye,and next days, too!—made glad
By thy dear smiles. To-morrow then, thy father!
