Part 19 (2/2)

There was a time I might have clasped your waist-- I had forgot that time was past and gone!

I pray you, pardon me!

_Julia_. [Softened.] I do so, Clifford.

_Clif_. I shall no more offend.

_Julia_. Make sure of that.

No longer is it fit thou keep'st thy post In's lords.h.i.+p's household. Give it up! A day-- An hour remain not in it!

_Clif_. Wherefore?

_Julia_. Live In the same house with me, and I another's?

Put miles, put leagues between us! The same land Should not contain us. Oceans should divide us-- With barriers of constant tempests--such As mariners durst not tempt! O Clifford!

Rash was the act so light that gave me up, That stung a woman's pride, and drove her mad-- Till in her frenzy she destroyed her peace!

Oh, it was rashly done! Had you reproved-- Expostulated,--had you reasoned with me-- Tried to find out what was indeed my heart,-- I would have shown it--you'd have seen it. All Had been as naught can ever be again!

_Clif_. Lovest thou me, Julia?

_Julia_. Dost thou ask me, Clifford?

_Clif_. These nuptials may be shunned!--

_Julia_. With honour?

_Clif_. Yes!

_Julia_. Then take me!--Stop--hear me, and take me then!

Let not thy pa.s.sion be my counsellor!

Deal with me, Clifford, as my brother. Be The jealous guardian of my spotless name!

Scan thou my cause as 'twere thy sister's. Let Thy scrutiny o'erlook no point of it,-- Nor turn it over once, but many a time:-- That flaw, speck--yea,--the shade of one,--a soil So slight, not one out of a thousand eyes Could find it out, may not escape thee; then Say if these nuptials can be shunned with honour!

_Clif_. They can.

_Julia_. Then take me, Clifford! [They embrace.]

_Wal_. [Entering.] Ha! What's this?

Ha! treason! What! my baronet that was, My secretary now? Your servant, sir!

Is't thus you do the pleasure of your lord,-- That for your service feeds you, clothes you, pays you!

Or takest thou but the name of his dependent?

What's here?--a letter. Fifty crowns to one A forgery! I'm wrong. It is his hand.

This proves thee double traitor!

_Clif_. Traitor!

_Julia_. Nay, Control thy wrath, good Master Walter! Do-- And I'll persuade him to go hence--

[MASTER WALTER retires up the stage.] I see For me thou bearest this, and thank thee, Clifford!

As thou hast truly shown thy heart to me, So truly I to thee have opened mine!

Time flies! To-morrow! If thy love can find A way, such as thou saidst, for my enlargement By any means thou canst, apprise me of it; And, soon as shown, I'll take it.

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