Edr. How will the fair Elwina grieve to hear it!

Dou. Hold, Edric, hold—thou hast touch'd the fatal string

Edr. Is expected

Dou. Forbid it, Heaven!

Edr. Ah! who?

Dou. Peace, peace,

[exit Edric.

Elw. Alas, 'tis ever thus!

[aside.

Dou. I were too blest, Elwina, could I hope

Elw. My lord, if I intrude,

Dou. What unwonted goodness!

Elw. My lord, I hop'd the thousand daily proofs

Dou. Death to all my hopes!

Elw. Indeed I'm most unhappy that my cares,

Dou. True tenderness is less solicitous,

Elw. Say, my lord,

Dou. This vindication ere you were accus'd,

Elw. Learn, sir, that virtue, while 'tis free from blame,

Dou. I did not mean to chide! but think, O think,

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