To peace—which is forgetfulness: I mean
The Vesper-bell. I pray you, let it be
The summons to our bridal—Hear you not?
To our fair bridal!
Eri. Lady, let your will
Appoint each circumstance. I am but too bless'd
Proving my homage thus.
Vit. Why, then, 't is mine
To rule the glorious fortunes of the day,
And I may be content. Yet much remains
For thought to brood on, and I would be left
Alone with my resolves. Kind Eribert!
(Whom I command so absolutely,) now
Part we a few brief hours; and doubt not, when
I am at thy side once more, but I shall stand
There—to the last.
Eri. Your smiles are troubled, lady;
May they ere long be brighter!—Time will seem
Slow till the vesper-bell.
Vit. 'Tis lovers' phrase
To say—time lags; and therefore meet for you:
But with an equal pace the hours move on,
Whether they bear, on their swift silent wing,
Pleasure or—fate.
Eri. Be not so full of thought
On such a day.—Behold, the skies themselves
Look on my joy with a triumphant smile,
Unshadow'd by a cloud,
Vit. 'Tis very meet
