they unman me quite. Bel. Heaven knows I cannot! The words you utter sound so very sadly, The streams will follow—       Jaf. Come, I'll kiss them dry, then. Bel. [Hanging on him.] But was't a miserable day? Jaf. A cursed one! Bel. I thought it otherwise, and you've often sworn, When sure you spoke the truth, you've sworn you blessed it. Jaf. 'Twas a rash oath. Bel. Then why am I not cursed, too? Jaf. No, Belvidera; by th' eternal truth, I dote with too much fondness. Bel. Still so kind! Still then do you love me! Jaf. Man ne'er was blessed, Since the first pair first met, as I have been. Bel. Then sure you will not curse me? Jaf. No, I'll bless thee. I came on purpose, Belvidera, to bless thee.      'Tis now, I think, three years we've lived together. Bel. And may no fatal minute ever part us, Till, reverend grown, for age and love, we go [53]     Down to one grave, as our last bed together; There sleep in peace till an eternal morning. Jaf. Did I not say I came to bless thee? Bel. You did. [Part. Jaf. Then hear me, bounteous Heaven! [Kneeling. Pour down your blessings on this beauteous head, Where everlasting sweets are always springing, With a continual giving hand: let peace, Honour, and safety, always hover round her:      Feed her with plenty; let her eyes ne'er see A sight of sorrow, nor her heart know mourning; Crown all her days with joy, her nights with rest, Harmless as her own thoughts; and prop her virtue To bear the loss of one that too much loved; And comfort her with patience in our parting! Bel. How? parting, parting! Jaf. Yes, forever parting! I have sworn, Belvidera, by yon Heav'n, That best can tell how much I lose to leave thee, We part this hour forever! Bel. Oh! call back four cruel blessing; stay with me, and curse me. Jaf. Now hold, heart, or never! Bel. By all the tender days we've lived together, Pity my sad condition; speak, but speak! Jaf. Murder! unhold me; Or by th' immortal destiny that doomed me       [Draws his dagger. To this cursed minute, I'll not live one longer! Resolve to let me go, or see me fall—      Hark! the dismal bell [Passing bell tolls. Tolls out for death! I must attend its call, too; For my poor friend, my dying Pierre, expects me; He sent a message to require I'd see him Before he died, and take his last forgiveness. Farewell forever! [Going, L. Bel. Leave thy dagger with me; Bequeath me something—Not one kiss at parting! Oh, my poor heart, when wilt thou break! Jaf. [Returning—she runs into his 

 Prev. P 39/42 next