The fire that has renown'd the English name, Shall strive to emulate-but never reach- Great-to amazement great!-But now how fall'n! The despicable state of female thraldom. "However great "Who ne'er was vanquish'd by a woman's charms. "Rib. Let none stand forth, there is no cause they should! "Beauty's a blessing to reward the brave; "We take its transports in relief from toil, "Allow its hour, and languish in its bonds: "But that once ended, dignity asserts "Its right in manhood, and our reason reigns.” Arn. Untouch'd by passion, all may talk it well; In speculation who was e'er unwise? But appetites assault like furious storms, O'erbearing all that should resist their rage, 'Till sinking reason's wreck'd; and then succeeds A gloomy calm-in which reflection arms Her scorpion brood-remorse, despair, and horror! Rib. But could contrition ever yet restore To radiant lustre a polluted fame ? "Or man, however merciful, forget "That justice brands offenders for his scorn ?" Truth, the great touchstone of all human actions, The fair foundation of applause or blame, Has ting'd thy honour with too foul a stain, For all repentant tears to wash away. All eyes 'twill urge to dart their keen reproaches, Each tongue to hiss, and ev'ry heart to heave Arn. All the pride, That here should kindle into high resentment, Disgrac'd from soldier to a renegade. Anon, while o'er the dreadful field we drive, Tell but your tale, and they will all, like me, all! The world has not another monster like me : Enter MARIANA and LOUISA. Mar. He's here! I've found my heart's companion out! Rejoice, my Arnold, for my father softens ; And hears with temper while I praise thy virtues. tears? Why art thou thus ? Hah! what mean those Arn. And canst thou ask that question ? Thou soft seducer, thou enchanting mischief, "Thou blaster of my virtue. But-begone"By Heav'n, the poison looks so tempting yet, "I fear to gaze myself in love with ́ruin. "Away-away: enjoy thy ill-got freedom, "And leave a wretch devoted to destruction. "Mar. Destruction !-how the image strikes my soul, "As would the shaft of death, with chilling horror!"Hear me-but hear me !-'tis the cause of love! "Your Mariana pleads-For Arnold's peace, "For mine, for both-nay, do not turn away, "And with unkindness dash the rising hope, "That strives for birth, and struggles with despair! “Arn. Oh, yes, despair!—it is most fit you should, "As I must ever do. "Mar. Wherefore -Why? "How are you alter'd, or myself how chang'd, E "That all our blessings are transform'd to curses? "Have you not sworn―(you did, and I believ'd you) "My flatter'd beauties and my faithful love, "Were all that Arnold wish'd to make him happy? "Arn. Curst be your love, and blasted all your beauties, "For they have robb'd me of my peace and honour. "Looks not my form as hideous as my soul, “Begrim'd like hell, and blacken'd to a fiend? “Go, get thee hence—thou blaster of my fame, "Bear thy bewitching eyes where I no more "May gaze my -but I have nothing now to lose, "Nought but a hated life, which any hand "Would be most merciful to rid me of. "Mar. If I am guilty, 'tis the guilt of love, "And love should pardon what himself inspir'd. "Oh, smooth the horrors of that anguish'd brow, "Thy tortur'd visage fills me with affright! "Look on me kindly, look as you were wont, "Or ease my bursting heart, or strike me dead." Arn. Give me again my innocence of soul, Give me my forfeit honour blanch'd anew, Cancel my treasons to my royal master, Restore me to my country's lost esteem, To the sweet hope of mercy from above, And the calm comforts of a virtuous heart. Mar. Sure kindness should not construe into guilt My fond endeavours to preserve thee mine, Life, love and freedom are before you, all, Embrace the blessings, and we yet are happy. Arn. What, with a conscience sore and gall'd like mine? To stand the glance of scorn from ev'ry eye, From ev'ry finger the indignant point? "In ev'ry whisper hear my spreading shame, "And groan and grovel a detested outcast!" A taunting Frenchman, with opprobrious tongue, Pronounc'd me abject, infamous and hateful! And yet I live-and yet you counsel life"The damn'd beneath might find or fancy ease, "And fear to lose existence soon as I-" No, die I must-I will-but how, how, how Nay, loose my arm; you strive in vain to hold me. Mar. Upon my knees-See, see these speaking tears! Arn. Be yet advis'd, nor urge me to an outrage. Thy pow'r is lost-unhand me-then 'tis thus, Thus I renounce thy beauties, thus thy guiltLife, love and treason I renounce for ever. [Exit. Mar. Then welcome death, distraction, ev'ry curse! Blast me, ye lightnings! strike me, roaring thunders! [Flinging herself on the ground. Stand off! away! I will not be withheldI will indulge my phrenzy- Loss of reason 1s now but loss of torment -Cruel Arnold! |