Britain ... - Blue-Lite

THE ENGLISH SLAVE. [Act T
I gain not freedom, man's eternal birthright,
111 join the gallant band, and then shall I
EDITHA.
Mercy forbid ! Thy father was a slave,
So was his sire before him : they both lived
And died in honest bondage, and in peace.
ALBERT.
And / will die in freedom ! from these limbs
Bravely the fetters of bond- service fling,
And cast off slavery's badge ! No peace for me
Till this great work is done, till I can feel
I have a title to be ranked with men,
And wear its honest dignity with honour.
The lord of Lydford, Devon's high potent Earl, (7)
After long years of absence, to yon towers
This day returns, and with him Cornwall's Duke;
Whose daughter, as I hear, will be the bride
Of Edgar, Devon's brave son. Mother, farewell ;
I'll to the castle I must be among them.
I will do something there shall make strange stir
I know not what -But from this doughty Earl
I'll win my freedom, or a hated life
Fling
reckless to the winds !
EDITHA.
Stay, Albert, stay.
Thou art become so headstrong, fierce, and wild-
ALBERT.
What ! wouldst thou have me tamely bear these ? wrongs
Slavery and age have blunted all thy feelings,
And thou canst smile in chains ; but my young blood
Is all on fire t' achieve that sacred birthright,
That noble gift which Heaven on all bestows
But impious man denies