Enter MARIANA and LOUISA. Mar. He's here! I've found my heart's companion out! Rejoice, my Arnold, for my father softens ; He half forgets his hatred to thy country, 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? "For they have robb'd me of my peace and honour. "Mar. If I am guilty, 'tis the guilt of love, Give me my forfeit honour blanch'd anew, 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 guilt— Life, 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 withheld- |