Vict.He is indeed, my lord.
Bas. Then heav'n bless him! all good angels bless him!
I could weep o'er him now, shed blood for him!
I could—O! What a foolish heart have I!
(Walks up and down with a hurried step, tossing about his arms in transport; then stops short, and runs up to Victoria.)
Vict. It is indeed: what thoughts disturb'd thee so?
Bas. I will not tell thee; foolish thoughts they were.
Heav'n bless your brother!
Vict.Ay, heav'n bless him too!
I have but he; would I had two brave brothers,
And thou wert one of them.
Bas. I would fly from thee to earth's utmost bounds,
Were I thy brother—
And yet, methinks, I would I had a sister.
Vict. And wherefore would ye?
Bas.To place her near thee,
The soft companion of thy hours to prove,
And, when far distant, sometimes talk of me.
Thou couldst not chide a gentle sister's cares.
Perhaps, when rumour from the distant war,
Uncertain tales of dreadful slaughter bore,
Thou'dst see the tear hang on her pale wan cheek.
And kindly say, how does it fare with Basil?
