Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/354

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
352
DE MONFORT: A TRAGEDY.


Jane, archly. Knowing your prudence.—You are welcome, madam,
So shall Count Freberg's lady ever be.

(De Monfort and Freberg returning towards the front of the stage, still engaged in discourse.)


Freb. He is indeed a man, within whose breast,
Firm rectitude and honour hold their seat,
Tho' unadorned with that dignity
Which were their fittest garb. Now, on my life!
I know no truer heart than Rezenvelt.

De Mon. Well, Freberg, well, there needs not all this pains
To garnish out his worth; let it suffice.
I am resolv'd I will respect the man,
As his fair station and repute demand.
Methinks I see not at your jolly feasts
The youthful knight, who sung so pleasantly.

Freb. A pleasant circumstance detains him hence;
Pleasant to those who love high gen'rous deeds
Above the middle pitch of common minds;
And, tho' I have been sworn to secrecy,
Yet must I tell it thee.
This knight is near a kin to Rezenvelt
To whom an old relation, short while dead,
Bequeath'd a good estate, some leagues distant.
But Rezenvelt, now rich in fortune's store,
Disdain'd the sordid love of further gain,
And gen'rously the rich bequest resign'd
To this young man, blood of the same degree