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.
We soon shall conquer.

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.

pinx!

Collyer jeup

London. Printed for J.Bell British Library, Strand.gth Sept1791.

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!
Or let me tear, with my outrageous hands,
The peaceful bosom of the earth, and find
A refuge from my woes and life together.

[Flinging herself on the ground.

Stand off! away! I will not be withheld-
I will indulge my phrenzy— Loss of reason
Is now but loss of torment-Cruel Arnold!