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The Mourning Bride.
Leo.Witness these Tears.-
Alm.I thank thee- indeed I do-I thank thee, that thou'lt pity thy sad Mistress;For 'tis the poor Prerogative of Greatness,To be wretched and unpitied-But I did promise I would tell thee- What?My Griefs? Thou do'st already know 'em:And when I said thou didst know nothing,It was because thou didst not know Alphonso:For to have known my Loss, thou must have knownHis Worth, his Truth, and Tenderness of Love.
Leo.The Memory of that brave Prince stands fairIn all Report-And I have heard imperfectly his Loss;But fearful to renew your Troubles past,I never did presume to ask the Story.
Alm.If for my swelling Heart I can, I'll tell thee.I was a welcome Captive in Valentia,Ev'n on the Day when Manuel, my Father,Led on his conqu'ring Troops, high as the GatesOf King Anselmo's Pallace; which in Rage,And Heat of War, and dire Revenge, he fir'd.Whilst the good King, to shun approaching Flames,Started amidst his Foes, and made Captivity his Refuge.Would I had perish'd in those Flames-But 'twas not so decreed.Alphonso, who foresaw my Father's Cruelty,Had born the Queen and me, on board a ShipReady to sail, and when this News was broughtWe put to Sea; but being betray'd by someWho knew our Flight, we closely were pursu'd,And almost taken; when a sudden StormDrove us, and those that follow'd, on the Coastof Africk: There our Vessel struck the Shore,And bulging 'gainst a Rock was dash'd in pieces.But Heaven spared me for yet more Affliction!Conducting them who follow'd us, to shunThe Shoal, and save me floating on the Waves,
While
