| |
|
Scene I |
Scene continues. |
Rustic
|
| | |
RUSTIC |
This purse is the plague of my life: I hate money when it is not my own. I'll e'en put in the five guineas he gave me for myself: I don't want it, and they do. But I hear the cottage door open.
| |
| (Retires a little.) | |
| | |
| Dorcas and Rosina came out of the cottage, Dorcas with a great basket on her arm fill'd with skains of thread. | <- Dorcas, Rosina
|
| | |
DORCAS |
I am just going, Rosina, to carry this thread to the weaver's.
| |
ROSINA |
This basket is too heavy for you: pray let me carry it.
| |
| (Takes the basket from Dorcas, and sets it down on the bench.) | |
DORCAS
(peevishly) |
| |
ROSINA |
If you love me, only take half: this evening, or to-morrow morning, I will carry the rest.
(She takes part of the skains out of the basket and lays them on the bench, looking affectionately on Dorcas.)
There, be angry with me if you please.
| |
DORCAS |
No, my sweet lamb, I am not angry; but beware of men.
| |
ROSINA |
Have you any doubts of my conduct, Dorcas?
| |
DORCAS |
Indeed I have not, love; and yet I am uneasy.
| |
| (Rustic goes up to the cottage.) | |
RUSTIC |
Now; now whilst they turn their heads.
| |
| | |
| (He lays the purse on the bench unperceived, and says to Captain Belville, whom he meets going off.) | <- Captain Belville
|
| | |
RUSTIC |
I have disposed of your money, sir.
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
| |
| (He takes Rustic aside.) | Rustic ->
|
DORCAS |
Go back to the reapers, whilst I carry this thread.
| |
ROSINA |
| |
DORCAS |
But as I walk but slow, and 'tis a good way, you may chance to be at home before me, so take the key.
| |
ROSINA |
| |
| (Whilst Dorcas feels in her pockets for the key.) | |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE
(aside) |
Rosina to be at home before Dorcas? How lucky! I'll slip into the house, and wait her coming, if 'tis till midnight.
| |
| (He goes unperceiv'd by them into the cottage.) | |
DORCAS |
Let no body go into the house.
| |
ROSINA |
I'll take care; but first I'll double-lock the door.
| |
| (Whilst she is locking the door, Dorcas going to take up her basket sees the purse.) | |
DORCAS |
Good lack! What is here? a purse as I live!
| |
ROSINA |
| |
DORCAS |
Come, and see; 'tis a purse indeed.
| |
ROSINA |
Heavens! 'tis full of gold!
| |
DORCAS |
We must put up a bill at the church gate, and restore it to the owner. The best way is to carry the money to his honour, and get him to keep it till the owner is found. You shall go with it, love.
| |
ROSINA |
Pray excuse me, I always blush so. -
| |
DORCAS |
'Tis nothing but childishness: but his honour will like your bashfulness better than too much courage.
| |
| | |
| (Goes out.) | Dorcas ->
|
| | |
ROSINA |
I cannot support his presence - my embarrassment - my confusion - a stronger sensation than that of gratitude agitates my heart - Yet hope in my situation were madness.
| |
| | |
| [Air] |  N 
|
|
Sweet transports, gentle wishes, go!
In vain his charms have gain'd my heart;
since fortune still to love a foe,
and cruel duty bid us part.
Ah! why does duty chain the mind,
and part those souls which love has joined?
| S
 (♦)
(♦)
|
| | |
| Enter William. | <- William
|
| | |
ROSINA |
Pray, William, do you know of any body that has lost a purse?
| |
WILLIAM |
I knows nothing about it.
| |
ROSINA |
Dorcas, however, has found one.
| |
WILLIAM |
So much the better for she.
| |
ROSINA |
You will oblige me very much if you will carry it to mr. Belville; and beg him to keep it till the owner is found.
| |
WILLIAM |
Since you desire it, I'll go: it shan't be the lighter for my carrying.
| |
ROSINA |
That I am sure of, William.
| |
| (Exit Rosina.) | Rosina ->
|
| | |
| Enter Phœbe. | <- Phœbe
|
| | |
PHŒBE |
There is William; but I'll pretend not to see him.
| |
| | |
| [Air] | N
|
|
Henry cull'd the flow'ret's bloom,
Marian lov'd the soft perfume,
had playful kist, but prudence near
whisper'd timely in her ear,
"Simple Marian, ah! beware;
touch, them not, for love is there."
| |
| (Threws away her nosegay.) | |
| | |
| (Whilst she is singing, William turns, looks at her, whistles, and plays with his stick.) | |
| | |
WILLIAM |
That's Harry's posy; the slut likes me still.
| |
PHŒBE
(aside) |
That's a copy of his countenance, I'm certain; he can no more help following me than he can be hang'd.
| |
WILLIAM
(crosses again singing) |
Of all the fair maidens that dance on the green,
the maid of the mill for me.
| |
PHŒBE |
I'm ready to choak wi' madness, but I'll not speak first, an I die for't.
| |
| (William sings, throwing up his stick, and catching it.) | |
WILLIAM |
Her eyes are as black as the sloe in the hedge,
her face like the blossoms in May.
| |
PHŒBE |
I can't bear it no longer - you vile, ungrateful, perfidious - But it's no matter - I can't think what I could see in you, - Harry loves me, and is a thousand times more handsomer.
(Sings, sobbing at every word:)
Of all the gay wrestlers that sport on the green,
young Harry's the lad for me.
| |
WILLIAM |
He's yonder a reaping: shall I call him?
| |
| (Offers to go.) | |
PHŒBE |
My grandmother leads me the life of a dog; and it's all along of you.
| |
WILLIAM |
Well, then she'll be better temper'd now.
| |
PHŒBE |
I did not value her scolding of a brass farthing, when I thought as how you were true to me.
| |
WILLIAM |
Wasn't I true to you? Look in my face, and say that.
| |
| | |
| [Air] | N
|
|
When bidden to the wake or fair,
the joy of each free-hearted swain,
till Phœbe promis'd to be there,
I loiter'd, last of all the train:
if chance some fairing caught her eye,
the ribbon gay or silken glove,
with eager haste I ran to buy;
for what is gold compar'd to love?
My posy on her bosom plac'd
could Harry's sweeter scents exhale!
Her auburn locks my ribbon grac'd,
and flutter'd in the wanton gale.
With scorn she hears me now complain,
nor can my rustic presents move:
her heart prefers a richer swain,
and gold, alas! has banish'd love.
| |
| | |
|
I see Kate waiting for me. Bye, Phœbe.
| |
PHŒBE |
| |
WILLIAM |
(coming back)
Let's part friendly howsomever. Bye, Phœbe: I shall always wish you well.
| |
PHŒBE |
| |
| (Cries, wiping her eyes with her apron.) | |
WILLIAM
(aside) |
My heart begins to melt a little -
(aloud)
I lov'd you very well once, Phœbe; but you are grown so cross, and have such vagaries -
| |
PHŒBE |
I'm sure I never had no vagaries with you, William. But go, mayhap Kate may be angry.
| |
WILLIAM |
And who cares for she? I never minded her anger, nor her coaxing neither, till you were cross to me.
| |
PHŒBE
(holding up her hands) |
O the father! I cross to you, William?
| |
WILLIAM |
Did not you tell me this very morning as how you had done wi' me?
| |
PHŒBE |
One word's as good as a thousand. Do you love me, William?
| |
WILLIAM |
Do I love thee? Do I love dancing on the green better than thrashing in the barn? Do I love a wake? a harvest-home?
| |
PHŒBE |
Then I'll never speak to Harry again the longest day I have to live.
| |
WILLIAM |
I'll turn my back o' the miller's maid the first time I meet her.
| |
PHŒBE |
William you indeed, and indeed?
| |
WILLIAM |
Marry will I; and more than that, I'll go speak to the parson this moment -
(Kisses her.)
I'm happier - zooks, I'm happier than a lord or a squire of five hundred a year.
| |
PHŒBE |
Why dost talk of lords and squires, William? we poor folks are happier by far, if so be we are but content. Did not the parson bid us mind how the storm bow'd the great trees on the hills, whilst the little shrubs in the valley ne'er bent a head for the matter?
| |
WILLIAM |
| |
| | |
| [Duet] | N
|
| | |
PHŒBE |
In gaudy courts, with aching hearts,
the great at fortune rail:
the hills may higher honours claim,
but peace is in the vale.
| |
WILLIAM |
See high-born dames, in rooms of state,
with midnight revels pale;
no youth admires their fading charms,
for beauty's in the vale.
| |
BOTH |
Amid the shades of virgin's sighs
add fragrance to the gale:
so they that will may take the hill,
since love is in the vale.
| |
| | |
| (Exeunt arm in arm.) | Phœbe, William ->
|
| | |
| Enter Belville. | <- Belville
|
| | |
BELVILLE |
I tremble at the impression this lovely girl has made on my heart. My chearfulness has left me, and I am grown insensible, even to the delicious pleasure of making those happy who depend on my protection.
| |
| | |
| [Air] | N
|
|
Ere bright Rosina met my eyes,
how peaceful pass'd the joyous day!
In rural sports I gain'd the prize,
each virgin listen'd to my lay.
But now no more I touch the lyre,
no more the rustic sport can please;
I live the slave of fond desire,
lost to myself, to mirth, and ease.
The tree that in a happier hour,
it's boughs extended o'er the plain,
when blasted by the lightnings power,
nor charms the eye, nor shades the swain.
| |
| | |
| Enter William. | <- William
|
| | |
WILLIAM |
(He speaks between the scenes:)
Here's his honour, Phœbe; wait for me at the stile.
(bowing)
Please your honour, I am sent to tell you Dorcas and Rosina have found a purse.
| |
BELVILLE |
| |
WILLIAM |
| |
BELVILLE |
Let them keep it, William.
| |
WILLIAM |
But they charg'd me, please your honour, to give it you.
| |
BELVILLE |
Go, William, and carry it back.
| |
WILLIAM
(aside) |
He put it there himself I thought so; 'tis so like him. I shall, your honour.
| |
| (Exit William.) | William ->
|
| | |
BELVILLE |
Since the sun rose, I have been in continual exercise; I feel exhausted, and will try to rest a quarter of an hour on this bank.
| |
| (Lies down on a bank by the fountain. | |
| Gleaners pass the stage, with sheaves of corn on their heads; last Rosina, who comes forward singing.) | |
| | <- Rosina
|
| [Air] | N
|
|
ROSINA
Light as thistledown moving which floats on the air,
sweet gratitude's debt to this cottage I bear:
of autumn's rich store I bring home my part,
the weight on my head, but gay joy in my heart.
| S
|
| | |
|
What do I see? mr. Belville asleep? I'll steal softy - at this moment I may gaze on him without blushing.
(Lays down the corn, and walks softly up to him.)
The sun points full on this spot; let me fasten these branches together with this ribbon, and shade him from its beams - yes - that will do. - But if he should wake. -
(Takes the ribbon from her bosom, and ties the tranches together.)
How my heart beats! One look more - Ah! I have wak'd him -
(She flies, and endeavours to hide herself against the door of the cottage, turning her head every instant.)
| |
BELVILLE |
| |
| (Half raising himself.) | |
ROSINA |
He is angry - How unhappy I am! - How I tremble!
| |
BELVILLE |
This ribbon I have seen before, and on the lovely Rosina's bosom -
| |
| (He rises, and goes towards the cottage:) | |
ROSINA |
I will hide myself in the house.
(Opening the door, sees Captain Belville, and starts back.)
Heavens! a man in the house!
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
| |
| (Comes out, and seizes Rosina; she breaks from him, and runs affrighted cross the stage - Belville follows; Captain Belville, who comes out to pursue her, sees his brother, and steals off at the other scene. - Belville leads Rosina back.) | Captain Belville ->
|
BELVILLE |
Why do you fly thus, Rosina? What can you fear? You are out of breath.
| |
ROSINA |
O, sir! - my strength fails. -
(Leans on Belville, who supports her in his arms.)
Where is he? - A gentleman pursued me.
(Looking round.)
| |
BELVILLE |
Don't be alarm'd, 'twas my brother - he could not mean to offend you.
| |
ROSINA |
Your brother? Why then does he not imitate your virtues? Why was he here?
| |
BELVILLE |
Forget this; you are safe. But tell me, Rosina, for the question is to me of importance; have I not seen you wear this ribbon?
| |
ROSINA |
Forgive me, sir; I did not mean to disturb you. I only meant to shade you from the too great heat of the sun.
| |
BELVILLE |
To what motive do I owe this tender attention?
| |
ROSINA |
Ah, sir! Do not the whole village love you?
| |
BELVILLE |
"At this moment, Rosina, think me a brother; or a friend a thousand times more affectionate than a brother." You tremble; why are you alarm'd!
| |
| | |
| [Duet] | N
|
| | |
|
(taking her hand)
For you, my sweet maid, may be not afraid,
(Rosina withdraws her hand)
I feel an affection which yet wants a name.
| |
ROSINA |
When first - but in vain - I seek to explain,
what heart but must love you? I blush, fear, and shame ~
| |
BELVILLE |
Why thus timid, Rosina? still safe by my side,
let me be your guardian, protector, and guide.
| |
ROSINA |
My timid heart pants ~ still safe by your side.
Be you my protector, my guardian, my guide.
| |
BOTH |
Why thus timid,
etc.
My timid heart pants,
etc.
| |
| | |
BELVILLE |
Unveil your whole heart to me, Rosina. The graces of your form, the native dignity of your mind which breaks through the lovely simplicity of your deportment, a thousand circumstances concur to convince me you were not born villager.
| |
ROSINA |
To you, sir, I can have no reserve. A pride, I hope an honest one, made me wish to sigh in secret over my misfortunes.
| |
BELVILLE
(eagerly) |
| |
ROSINA |
Dorcas approaches, sir: she can better relate my melancholy story.
| |
| | |
| Enter Dorcas. | <- Dorcas
|
| | |
DORCAS |
His honour here? Good lack! How sorry I am I happen'd to be from home. Troth, I'm sadly tir'd.
| |
ROSINA |
Why would you insist on going? Indeed, sir, she will kill herself.
| |
BELVILLE |
Will you let me speak with you a moment alone, Dorcas?
| |
DORCAS |
Sure will I, your honour. Rosina, take this basket.
| |
ROSINA
(aside) |
I'll "put the rest of the thread in, and" run with it to the weaver's.
(Exit.)
| Rosina ->
|
| | |
| Captain Belville at the top of the stage speaking to a servant. | <- Captain Belville
|
| | |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
Rosina has taken that bye road: run instantly, and execute my orders, but be prudent, and watch the moment.
(He retires.)
| Captain Belville ->
|
| | |
DORCAS |
Will your honour please to walk into our homely cottage?
| |
BELVILLE |
I thank you, Dorcas, but 'tis pleasanter here: sit down by me on the bench.
(She curtsies and sits down.)
| |
DORCAS |
Dear squi! not a bit of pride.
| |
BELVILLE |
Rosina has referr'd me to you, Dorcas, for an account of her birth, which I have long suspected to be above her present situation.
| |
DORCAS |
To be sure, your honour, since the dear child gives me leave to speak, she's of as good a family as any in England. Her mother, swet lady, was my bountiful old master's daughter, squire Welford of Lincolnshire.
| |
BELVILLE |
What happiness! but go on.
| |
DORCAS |
He was a noble gentleman, and no body's enemy but his own. His estate was seiz'd for a mortgage of not half its value, just after young madam was married, and she ne'er got a penny of her portion. They say, if Rosina had a friend, she might get the estate again by paying the mortgage.
| |
BELVILLE |
| |
DORCAS |
Was a brave gentleman too, a colonel: a charming couple they were, and lov'd one an other so, it would have done your heart good to see them. His honour went to the Eastern Indies, to better his fortune, and madam would go with him. The ship was lost, and they, with all the little means they had, went to the bottom. Young madam Rosina was their only child; they left her at school; but when this sad news came, the mistress did not care for keeping her, so the dear child has shar'd my poor morsel.
| |
BELVILLE |
'Tis enough, Dorcas: you shall not repent your kindness to her. But her father's name?
| |
DORCAS |
| |
BELVILLE |
I am too happy: he was the friend of my father's heart: a thousand times have I heard him lament his fate. Rosina's virtues shall not go unrewarded.
| |
DORCAS |
Yes, I know'd it wou'd be so. Heaven never forsakes the good man's children.
| |
BELVILLE |
I have another question to ask you, Dorcas, and answer me sincerely; is her heart free?
| |
DORCAS |
To be sure, she never would let any of our young men come a-near her, and yet -
| |
BELVILLE |
| |
DORCAS |
I'm afear'd - she mopes and she pines - But your honour wou'd be angry - I'm afear'd the Captain -
| |
BELVILLE
(aside) |
Then my foreboding heart was right! 'Tis well, Dorcas; I see my brother yonder, leave us.
| |
DORCAS |
I'll go seek for the dear child.
(She goes out.)
| Dorcas ->
|
| | |
| Enter Captain Belville. | <- Captain Belville
|
| | |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
I wish it was over; I'm not quite easy.
| |
BELVILLE |
I thought you intended to shoot to-day, brother?
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
| |
BELVILLE |
You fancied it pleasanter chatting with Rosina?
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
| |
BELVILLE |
O, don't affect ignorance, I saw you come out of her cottage.
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
True, yes; I had forgot. Fatigu'd with the heat, I enter'd the house, and finding nobody there, threw myself on the bed, and fell asleep; that was all, I assure you.
| |
BELVILLE |
Not quite: for whom was the purse intended? Come, brother, you love her.
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
Just as I love all pretty women: one must be amus'd in the country.
| |
BELVILLE |
I see plainly the source of all your errors, brother: an early acquaintance with the worst part of the sex, has given you an unfavourable idea of the best. But time will correct that mistake; "your heart is noble, and therefore cannot but be charm'd with virtue when she comes led by the loves and the graces." Be sincere with me, brother; do you think Rosina loves you?
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
She has a few palpitations, I believe; but the little fool does not know what ails her.
| |
BELVILLE |
'Tis enough; since she loves you, you shall marry her.
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
Marry her? Do I hear right?
| |
BELVILLE |
Why do you smile? she is amiable, and merits to be treated with respect.
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
Respect? I shall expire - Respect - a little gleaner! - No power of face can stand this.
| |
BELVILLE |
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
But pray, Charles, since she is so very respectable, why not marry her yourself?
| |
BELVILLE |
I wish her partiality for you did not prevent my taking your advice. To obviate every objection, she is your equal; the daughter of colonel Martin, and entitled to a share of her grandfather's estate. In the mean time obtain her consent, and a third of my fortune is yours.
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
This alters the case extremely, brother: Rosina in herself - But let us find her.
(Going.)
| |
BELVILLE |
Whither are you going, brother?
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
Only to - S'death! What shall I say? I am ruin'd if my fellows meet her -
| |
| | |
| Enter Dorcas and Rustic. | <- Dorcas, Rustic
|
| | |
DORCAS |
Help, for heaven's sake, sir! I have lost my child!... she is carried away -
| |
BELVILLE |
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE
(confusedly) |
Don't be alarm'd - let me go.
| |
DORCAS |
I heard her cries, and ran to the place; but she was gone. -
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
| |
BELVILLE |
With me, sir - I will not lose sight of you. Rustic, hasten instantly with our reapers. Dorcas, you will be our guide.
| |
| | |
| (Exit.) | Belville, Captain Belville, Dorcas, Rustic ->
|
| | |
| | |
| |
|
Scene II |
Scene changes to a meadow by the river side. Enter Belville, Captain Belville, and Dorcas; on the other side Rustic, and the first and second Irishman. |
Q
(nobody)
<- Belville, Captain Belville, Dorcas, Rustic, 1st Irishman, 2nd Irishman
|
| | |
RUSTIC |
Don't be frighted, sir; the Irishmen have rescued her; she is just here.
| |
1ST IRISHMAN
(to Dorcas) |
Dry your tears, my jewel; we have done for them.
| |
DORCAS |
Have you sav'd her? I owe you more than life.
| |
1ST IRISHMAN |
Faith, good woman, you owe me no thing at all. I'll tell your honour how it was. My comrades and I were crossing the meadow, going home, when we saw them first; and hearing a woman cry, I looked up, and saw them putting her into a skiff against her will. Says I, Paddy, is not that the clever little creature that was gleaning in the field with us this morning? "'Tis so, sure enough," says he. "By st. Patrick", says I, "there's enough of us to rescue her". With that we ran for the bare life, waded up to the knees, laid about us bravely with our shillelays, knock'd them out of the skiff, and brought her back safe: and here she comes, my jewel.
| |
| | |
| (A boat appears, Rosina lands, is led forward by the Reapers, and throws herself into Dorcas's arms.) | <- Rosina
|
| | |
DORCAS |
I canno' speak - Art thou safe? -
| |
BELVILLE |
I dread to find the criminal.
| |
RUSTIC |
Your honour need not go far afield, I believe; it must have been some friend of the Captain's, for his French valet commanded the party.
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
I confess my crime; my passion for Rosina hurried me out of myself.
| |
BELVILLE |
Was my house, sir, chosen for the scene of your ungovern'd licentiousness? You have dishonour'd me, dishonour'd the glorious profession you have embrac'd. - But be gone, I renounce you as my brother, and resume my ill-plac'd friendship.
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
Your indignation is just; I have offended almost past forgiveness. Will the offer of my hand repair the injury?
| |
BELVILLE |
If Rosina accepts it, I am satisfied.
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
What I have done, Rosina, was the effect of a too tender love. Ought you to punish it? Accept my hand.
| |
ROSINA
(to Belville) |
Will you, sir, suffer? - This hope is a second insult. Whoever offends the object of his love is unworthy of obtaining her.
| |
BELVILLE |
This noble refusal paints your character. I know another, Rosina, who loves you with as strong, though purer ardor: the timidity inseparable from real love has hitherto prevented his declaring himself - but if allowed to hope -
| |
ROSINA |
Do not, sir, envy me the calm delight of passing my independent days with Dorcas, in whom I have found a mother's tenderness.
| |
DORCAS |
Bless thee, my child; thy kindness melts my heart.
| |
BELVILLE |
Do you refuse me too then, Rosina?
| |
| (Rosina raises her eyes tenderly on Belville, lowers them again, and leans on Dorcas.) | |
DORCAS |
You, sir? You? - Sure I am in a dream!
| |
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
| |
BELVILLE |
| |
ROSINA |
My confusion - my blushes -
| |
BELVILLE |
'Tis enough; I see I am rejected.
| |
ROSINA |
'Tis the first time in your life, I believe, that you ever were mistaken.
| |
| (Giving her hand timidly to Belville.) | |
BELVILLE |
Then I am happy! My life! my Rosina!
| |
| | |
| [Air] | N
|
| | |
|
How blest, my fair, who on thy face
unchecked by fear, may fondly gaze!
Who, when he breathes the tender sigh,
beholds no anger in thine eye!
Ah, then, what joys await the swain,
who ardent pleads, nor pleads in vain;
whose voice, with rapture all divine,
secure may say, "This heart is mine!"
| |
| | <- William, Phœbe
|
CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
I am punished; but I have too well deserv'd it.
| |
PHŒBE |
Do you speak to his honour, William.
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WILLIAM |
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PHŒBE |
I am asham'd - William and I, your honour - William pray'd me to let him keep me company - so he gain'd my good-will to have him, if so be my grandmother contents.
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| (Curtsying, and playing with her apron.) | |
WILLIAM |
If your honour would be so good to speak to Dorcas.
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BELVILLE |
Dorcas, you must not refuse me any thing to-day. I'll give William a farm.
Dorcas. Your honour is too kind - take her, William, and make her a good husband.
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WILLIAM |
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WILLIAM, PHŒBE
(to Belville) |
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| (Belville joins their hands; they bow and curtsy.) | |
WILLIAM |
What must I do with the purse, your honour? Dorcas would not take it.
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BELVILLE |
I believe, my brother has the best right.
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CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
'Tis yours, William; dispose of it as you please.
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WILLIAM |
Then I'll give it to our honest Irishmen, who fought so bravely for Rosina.
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BELVILLE |
You have made a good use of it, William; nor shall my gratitude stop here.
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CAPTAIN BELVILLE |
Allow me to retire, brother, and learn at a distance from you to correct those errors into which the fire of youth, and bad example, have hurried me. When I am worthy of your esteem, I will return, and demand my rights in your affection.
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BELVILLE |
You must not leave us, brother: the man who wishes to be virtuous is already become so. Resume the race of honour; be indeed a soldier, and be more than my brother - be my friend. Dorcas, you have a mother's right in Rosina, and must not leave us.
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| (During the finale, William distributes the money among the Reapers.) | |
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| [Air Finale] | N
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BELVILLE, CAPTAIN BELVILLE
To bless, and to be blest, be ours,
whate'er our rank, whate'er our powers,
on some her gifts kind fortune flowers,
who reap, like us, in this rich scene.
Yet those who taste her bounty less
the sigh malevolent repress,
and loud the feeling bosom bless,
which something leaves for want to glean.
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ROSINA
How blest am I! supremely blest!
Since Belville all his soul exprest,
and fondly clasp'd me to his breast:
I now may reap ~ how chang'd the scene!
But ne'er can I forget the day,
when, all to want and woe a prey,
soft pity taught his soul to say,
unfeeling Rustic, let her glean!
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RUSTIC, DORCAS, WILLIAM, PHŒBE
The hearts you glad your own display,
the heav'ns such goodness must repay;
and blest through many a summer's day,
full crops you' ll reap in this rich scene:
and o! when summer's joys are o'er,
and autumn yields its fruits no more,
new blessings be there yet in store,
for winter's sober hours to glean.
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CHORUS OF ALL |
And o! when summer's joys are o'er,
etc.
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| The Reapers form dances, and present nosegays of corn-flowers and poppies to Belville and Rosina. | |
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| Finis. | |
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