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ALICE.
15
As his frame weakened, and he longed once more.
To see the hall—'Twas speedy then—He lies
Under yon yew-tree. I have never left—
I cannot leave——— [Re-enter Alice.
To see the hall—'Twas speedy then—He lies
Under yon yew-tree. I have never left—
I cannot leave——— [Re-enter Alice.
Alice.Mother!—Doth she not weep?
Ah me! that tears should sadden such an hour!—
Mother! oh, smile upon me: I bring news
Of joy—he comes to-day—this very day;
It is his birth-day. I am come for flowers—
Doth not Lord Claremont love them?
Ah me! that tears should sadden such an hour!—
Mother! oh, smile upon me: I bring news
Of joy—he comes to-day—this very day;
It is his birth-day. I am come for flowers—
Doth not Lord Claremont love them?
Henry.Yes: but most
The pure white rose.
The pure white rose.
Alice.Look how it blossoms here
Amid the flaunting brier—the purest rose.
We shall soon fill the basket.
Amid the flaunting brier—the purest rose.
We shall soon fill the basket.
Mrs. Neville.Claremont comes,
The heir, to take his state, to fill the hall
With revelry; and William—my poor boy!—
Thou art Lord Claremont's friend—canst thou forgive
A mother's tenderness?
The heir, to take his state, to fill the hall
With revelry; and William—my poor boy!—
Thou art Lord Claremont's friend—canst thou forgive
A mother's tenderness?
Henry.Madam, each word,
Each patient tear of thine drew answering drops
From my sad heart. I knew, as Claremont knew,
Imperfectly, the story of his race.
Oh! it has made the grief of his young life,
His splendid orphanage, to bear the weight
Of wealth which should be yours—to feel your woe—
To fear your hatred.
Each patient tear of thine drew answering drops
From my sad heart. I knew, as Claremont knew,
Imperfectly, the story of his race.
Oh! it has made the grief of his young life,
His splendid orphanage, to bear the weight
Of wealth which should be yours—to feel your woe—
To fear your hatred.