[pg 24]

[pg 24]

 Countess. No, Adelaide; we must subdue such thoughts:

  Obedience is thy duty, patience mine.

  Just now, with stern and peremptory briefness,

  He bade me seek my daughter, and dispose her

  To wed, by his direction.

 Adel. The saints forbid!

  To wed by his direction! Wed with whom?

 Countess. I know not whom. He counsels with himself.

 Adel. I hope he cannot mean it.

 Countess. 'Twas his order.

 Adel. O madam! on my knees——

 Countess. What would my child?

  Why are thy hands thus rais'd? Why stream thine eyes?

  Why flutters thus thy bosom? Adelaide,

  Speak to me! tell me, wherefore art thou thus?

 Adel. Surprise and grief—I cannot, cannot speak.

 Countess. If 'tis a pain to speak, I would not urge thee.

  But can my Adelaide fear aught from me?

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