ith my lord's friend, Marquis Alberti.
_Enter count_ Roland, _followed by two_ falconers.
_Count._ Come, brother falconers, break up our rural camp, give the
hawks wing, and let another day of pure exhilirating pastime crown those
we have enjoyed.
SONG--_count Roland._
I.
When the morning shines forth, and the zephyr's calm gale
Carries fragrance and health over mountain and dale,
Follow me, brother falconers, and share in those joys,
Which envy disturbs not, nor grandeur destroys:
Up hill, down the valley, all dangers we'll dare,
While our coursers spurn earth, and our hawks sail in air.
Dash on, my brave birds,
Your quarry pursue;
"Strike, strike!" be the words.
Lalleugh! lalleugh!
II.
O'er plain, heath, and woodland, with rapture we roam,
Yet, returning, still find the dear pleasure at home;
Where inspiring good humour gives honesty grace
And the heart speaks content in the smiles of the face.
Dash on, &c.
_Count._ To day concludes our sylvan holiday. (_going._) Why, who comes
here? As I live, my merry falconer, Christopher! And I'm impatient to be
told the issue of his curious enterprise. Ha, ha, ha! to know if he's
related to the house of Roland--
_Enter_ Christopher.
Well, Christopher, am I to call you cousin?
_Chris._ You are, my Lord; and with your leave I sha'n't copy our aunt
the countess's example, and not notice those beneath us. No. How d'ye
do, my fine fellows--how d'ye do?
_Bowing foppishly to the falconers._
_Count._ Aunt!--ridiculous! My uncle had no wife. I've heard indeed, he
had a consequential housekeeper, whose niece, Ulrica, I once saw.
_Chris._ What, you've seen Ulrica? So have I, my Lord: and though it's
bold work, life's so short, and love's so ridgety, mayn't I----mayn't I
see her again, my lord?
_Count._ What, you'd return? (_Christopher nods assent._) Then go--go,
and announce to marquis Alberti, that I shall visit him tonight. Mind,
tonight! I will hear more of this new aunt of mine.
_Chris._ (_with great glee._) Tonight, my lord? And you, and you----
[_To the falconers._
_Count._ And all. And therefore, till we meet at Corbey Abbey, adieu,
most noble cousin Christopher!
_1st._ and _2d. Falc._ (_bowing with ironical respect._) Adieu most
noble nephew of the countess Roland!
_Chris._ Noble indeed! and give me money and a wife, see
|