Languages & literature > Alfred: a masque

2?
A M A S' Q, 1/ E .
ACT III. SCENE I.
Emma, and other fhepherdejjis.
Emma.
"VT’ES, Edith, we will watch, till morning fliines,
Around this cottage, now made rich and glorious—
Who durft have thought fuch wonders ?—by a queen,
And her bright offspring ! Thou, mean while, invoke,
With founds of Toothing ftrain, the gentle ilecp
To pour his timely vapours on their eye-lids.
Edith fings.
I.
In cooling dream, 0 faieet repofe,
Thofe balmy dews dijlill,
That Jieal the mourner from his woes.
And bid defp.ir be fill.
II.
Prolong the fmiling infant's ref,
Who yet no farrow knows :
But 0 the mother's bleeding breafl
To foftefl peace compofe !
III.
For her the fairefl dreams adorn,
That wave on fancy's wings
The purple of afcending morn,
The bloom of opening fpring.
IV.
let all, that fooths the foul or charms.
Her midnight hour employ ;
Till blefl again in Alfred’/ arms,
She wakes to real joy. [friends:
Emma. Alas ! (he cornea* Let us withdraw, my
Her forrows claim all reverence:: and ’tis meet
We leave her to herfelf.