To the deceas'd, and low in fortune's gifts,
Who is from hence to take possession of it.
Was it not nobly done?
De Mon.'Twas right, and honourable.
This morning is oppressive, warm, and heavy:
There hangs a foggy closeness in the air;
Dost thou not feel it?
Freb. O no! to think upon a gen'rous deed
Expands my soul, and makes me lightly breath.
De Mon. Who gives the feast to night? His name escapes me.
You say I am invited.
Freb.Old Count Waterlan.
In honour of your townsman's gen'rous gift
He spreads the board.
De Mon. He is too old to revel with the gay.
Freb. But not too old is he to honour virtue.
I shall partake of it with open soul;
For, on my honest faith, of living men
I know not one, for talents, honour, worth,
That I should rank superiour to Rezenvelt.
De Mon. How virtuous he hath been in three short days!
Freb. Nay, longer. Marquis, but my friendship rests
Upon the good report of other men;
And that has told me much.
(De Monfort aside, going some steps hastily from Freberg, and rending his cloak with agitation as he goes.)
