Page:The Sorcerer.djvu/7

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Dr. D.

Mrs. Partlet, there is much truth in what you say. I am indeed getting on in years, and a helpmate would cheer my declining days. Time was when it might have been; but I have left it too long—I am an old fogy now, am I not, my dear? (to Constance)—a very old fogy, indeed. Ha! ha! No, Mrs. Partlet, my mind is quite made up. I shall live and die a solitary old bachelor.

Con.	Oh, mother, mother! (Sobs on Mrs. Partlet's bosom).

Mrs. P.

Come, come, dear one, don't fret. At a more fitting time we will try again—we will try again.

(Exeunt Mrs. Partlet and Constance.)

Dr. D.

(Looking after them). Poor little girl! I'm afraid she has something on her mind. She is rather comely. Time was when this old heart would have throbbed in double time at the sight of such a fairy form! But hush! I am puling! Here comes the young Alexis with his proud and happy father. Let me dry this tell tale tear

Enter Sir Marmaduke and Alexis from house r.

Recitative

Dr. D. (c.)

Sir Marmaduke—my dear young friend, Alexis— On this most happy—most auspicious plighting— Permit me, as a true old friend, to tender My best, my very best congratulations!

Sir M. (l.)

Sir, you are most obligeeng!

Alexis. (r.)

⁠Dr. Daly, My dear old tutor, and my valued pastor, I thank you from the bottom of my heart

(Spoken through music.)

Dr. D.

May fortune bless you! may the middle distance Of your young life be pleasant as the foreground— The joyous foreground! and, when you have reached it. May that which now is the far off horizon, But which will then become the middle distance, In fruitful promise be exceeded only By that which will have opened, in the meantime, Into a new and glorious horizon!

(Crosses L. Alexis sits on stool, r. c.)

Sir M. (c.)

Dear sir, that is an excellent example Of an old school of stately compliment To which I have, through life, been much addicted. Will you obleege me with a copy of it In clerkly manuscript, that I myself May use it on appropriate occasions?

Dr. D. (L.)

Sir, you shall have a fairly written copy Ere Sol has sunk into his western slumbers!

(Exit Dr, Daly, l. 2 e.)