Page:Dramas 2.pdf/51

'T is delicacy makes me thus in haste,
As thou wilt comprehend. Should time permit,
Though much I fear to-morrow's sun will light us
To other scenes, I will return and pay
To the most noble Count all courtesy.

Fair maiden, fare thee well! (Hurrying away, and returning again; then drawing her further aside and speaking softly in her ear.)

The Count, as I am told, dislikes this castle:

His stay, perhaps, may be of short duration?

SOPHERA.

Belike it may.

TORTONA.

Though quitting this vicinity,

My station for a time will not be distant.
Couldst thou in such a case indite to me
A little note of favour? (Taking her hand.) Pretty hand!
A billet penn'd by thee must needs contain
Words of sweet import.—Fingers light and slender!
(Offering to put on a ring.) Let this be favour'd.

SOPHERA.

Nay, my Lord, excuse me.

The pen these fingers use indites no billets
Of such sweet import as you fondly guess:
A housewife's recipe, or homely letter
Of kind inquiry to some absent friend,