Thealma And Clearchus a Pastoral Romance

l But if heav'n be so pleas'd, may speed as well. Some lucky hand Fate may, for ought you know, Send to save him from death as well as you. And so I hope it hath, take comfort then, You may, I trust, see happy days again.' Thcalma all this while with serious eye, Ey'd the poor wench, unwilling to reply; For in. her looks she read some true presage, That gave her comfort, and somewhat asswage The fury of her passions; with desire Her ears suck'd in her speech, to quench her fire: She could have heard her speak an age, sweet soul, So pretty loud she child her, and condole With her in her misfortunes. ' Oh,' said she, ' What wisdom dwells in plain simplicity! Prithee (my dear Caretta), why dost cry ? I am not angry, good girl, dry thine eye, Or I shall turn child too: my tide's not spent, 'Twill flow again, if thou art discontent. For I will eat if thou'lt be merry; say, Wilt thou, Caretta? shall thy mistress pray, And thou deny her?'?Still Caretta wept, Sorrow and gladness such a struggling kept Within her for the mastery; at the length Joy overcame, and speech recovered strength. ' Sweet mistress/ said she, 'pardon your hand-maid, Unworthy of the wages your love paid Me; for my over-boldness, think't not strange, I was struck dumb at this so sweet a change. I could not choose but weep, if you'd have kill'd me, With such an overplus of joy it fill'd me: I will be merry, if you can forgive ; Wanting your love, it is a he...