A living soul-I vowed to die for her : SANDOVAL (with a sarcastic smile). Earl HENRY. Ah! was that bliss Feared as an alien, and too vast for man? For suddenly, impatient of its silence, Did Oropeza, starting, grasp my forehead. I caught her arms; the veins were swelling on them. Through the dark bower she sent a hollow voice, Oh! what if all betray me? what if thou? I swore, and with an inward thought that seemed The purpose and the substance of my being, I swore to her, that were she red with guilt, I would exchange my unblenched state with hers.- [Earl HENRY retires into the wood. SANDOVAL (alone.) stand, TO AN UNFORTUNATE WOMAN, WHOM THE AUTHOR HAD KNOWN IN THE DAYS OF HER INNOCENCE. MYRTLE-LEAF that, ill besped, Pinest in the gladsome ray, Far from thy protecting spray! When the Patridge o'er the sheaf Whirred along the yellow vale, Love the dalliance of the gale. Lightly didst thou, foolish thing! Heave and flutter to his sighs, Wooed and whispered thee to rise. Gaily from thy mother-stalk Wert thou danced and wafted highSoon on this unsheltered walk Flung to fade, to rot and die. TO AN UNFORTUNATE WOMAN AT THE THEATRE. Maiden, that with sullen brow Sittest behind those virgins gay, Like a scorched and mildewed bough, Leafless 'mid the blooms of May! Him who lured thee and forsook, Oft I watched with angry gaze, Fearful saw his pleading look, Anxious heard his fervid phrase. Soft the glances of the youth, Soft his speech, and soft his sigh; eye. |