lover! Do his mistress' wish
That went against his own! Do it so soon
Ere well 'twas uttered! No good-bye to her!
No word! no look! 'Twas best that he so went!
Alas, the strait of her, who owns that best,
Which last she'd wish were done? What's left me now?
To weep! To weep!

[Leans her head upon her arm, which rests upon the desk,--her other arm
hanging listlessly at her side. CLIFFORD comes down the stage, looks a
moment at her, approaches her, and kneeling, takes her hand.]

_Clif_. My Julia!

_Julia_. Here again!
Up! up! By all thy hopes of Heaven, go hence!
To stay's perdition to me! Look you, Clifford!
Were there a grave where thou art kneeling now,
I'd walk into 't, and be inearthed alive,
Ere taint should touch my name! Should some one come
And see thee kneeling thus! Let go my hand!
Remember, Clifford, I'm a promised bride--
And take thy arm away! It has no right
To clasp my waist! Judge you so poorly of me,
As think I'll suffer this? My honour, sir!

[She breaks from him, quitting her seat.]

I'm glad you've forced me to respect myself--
You'll find that I can do so!

_Clif_. I was bold--
Forgetful of your station and my own;
There was a time I held your hand unchid!
There was a time I might have clasped your waist--
I had forgot that time was past and gone!
I pray you, pardon me!

_Julia_. [Softened.] I do so, Clifford.

_Clif_. I shall no more offend.

_Julia_. Make sure of that.
No longer is it fit thou keep'st thy post
In's lordship's household. Give it up! A day--
An hour remain not in it!

_Clif_. Wherefore?

_Julia_. Live
In the same house with me, and I another's?
Put miles, put leagues between us! The same land
Should not contain us. Oceans should divide us--
With barriers of constant tempests--such
As mariners durst not tempt! O Clifford!
Rash was the act so light that gave me up,
That stung a woman's pride, and drove her mad--
Till in her frenzy she destroyed her peace!
Oh, it was rashly done! Had you reproved--
Expostulated,--had you reasoned with me--
Tried to find out what was indeed my heart,--
I would have shown it--you'd have seen it. All
Had been as naught can ever be again!

_Clif_. Lovest thou me, Julia?

_Julia_. Dost thou ask me, Clifford?

_Clif_. These nuptials may be shunned!--

_Julia_. With honour?

_Clif_. Yes!

_Julia_. Then take me!--Stop--hear me, and take me then!
Let not thy passion be my counsellor!
Dea