Page:The Mysterious Mother - Walpole (1781).djvu/50

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THE MYSTERIOUS MOTHER.
His father dead, he hastes to take possession
Of his paternal fortunes—is't not so?

ADELIZA.
He sorrows for a father—something too
He utter'd of a large inheritance
That should be his—in truth I mark'd it not.

COUNTESS.
But when he spoke of love, thy very soul
Hung on his lips. Say, canst thou not repeat
Each word, each syllable? His accent too
Thou notedst: still it rings upon thine ear.
And then his eyes—they look'd such wond'rous truth;
Art thou not sure he cannot have deceiv'd thee?

ADELIZA.
Alas! my noble mistress, thou dost mock
Poor Adeliza—what can I reply!

COUNTESS.
The truth. Thy words have ever held its language.
Say, dost thou love this stranger? Hast thou pledg'd
Thy faith to him?

ADELIZA.
Angels forbid! What faith have I to give?
Can I dispose of ought without thy leave?

COUNTESS.
Insinuating softness!—still thou turnest
Aside my question. Thou dost love this stranger.

ADELIZA.
Yes, with such love as that I feel for thee.
His virtues I revere: his earnest words
Sound like the precepts of a tender parent:
And, next to thee, methinks I could obey him.

COUNTESS.
Ay, as his wife.

ADELIZA.

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