O! I could hate her for that poor ambition
Which silly adoration only claims,
But that I well remember, in my youth
I felt the like—I did not feel it long;
I tore it soon, indignant from my breast,
As that which did degrade a noble mind. [Exit.
SCENE V.
A very beautiful Grove in the forest. Musick and horns heard afar off, whilst huntsmen and dogs appear passing over the stage, at a great distance. Enter Victoria and Basil, as if just alighted from their horses.
Vict. (speaking to attendants without.) Lead on our horses to the further grove.
And wait us there—
(to Bas.) This spot so pleasing, and so fragrant is,
'Twere sacrilege with horses hoofs to wear
Its velvet turf, where little elfins dance,
And fairies sport beneath the summer's moon:
I love to tread upon it.
Bas. O! I would quit the chariot of a god
For such delightful footing!
Vict.I love this spot.
Bas. It is a spot where one would live and die.
Vict. See, thro' the twisted boughs of those high elms,
The sun-beams on the bright'ning foliage play,
And tinge the scaled bark with ruddy brown.
Is it not beautiful?
