Britain ... - Blue-Lite

Scene II.] THE DEVOTED ONE. 183
For this be sorely shent.
And freely, Godwin, I confess thou hast
Beyond thy strength been tempted. Fare thee well !
A long, a last farewell ! When death's cold dews
Hang on these brows, my quivering lips
shall breathe
A blessing on thee, and a prayer that thou
Mayst long be happy with thy lady bride,
And glory with thee dwell. Forgive these tears :
Soon shall I cease to weep.
GODWIN.
Come, dry thine eyes,
Those eyes that through their dewy lashes shine
Like stars amid the humid mists of eve.
Ever-beloved, we will not, cannot part.
EDITH.
Wouldst thou deceive me still, when well I know
The nuptial garlands are prepared, and waits
Thy bride in costly robes of glittering pomp ?
On to the altar, and for ever leave
The broken- hearted Edith to her tears.
GODWIN.
No, child of beauty, I will never leave thee.
This hasty marriage is a state intrigue,
Not of my seeking, but the King's command :
And though another bride I'm doomed to wed,
Thou hast my heart ;
here shalt thou ever reign,
While all the wealth and state my fortunes yield,
In secret on thy beauty shall be lavished.
EDITH.
Heaven's goodness keep me ! can I hear aright ?
What do thy words import ?
GODWIN.
That thou shalt be