Page:Elfrida, a Dramatic Poem - Mason (1752).djvu/26

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He to this secret seat convey'd Elfrida;Convey'd her as by stealth, enjoy'd, and left her:Yet not without I know not what excuseOf call to court of Edgar's royal friendship,And England's welfare. To his prince he went:And since, as by intelligence I gather,He oft revisits this his cloyster'd wife;But ever with a privacy most studied,Borrowing disguises, till inventive artCan scarce supply him with variety.His visits, as they're stol'n, are also short;Seldom above the circuit of one sun:Then back to court, while she his absence mournsFull many a lonely hour. I brook not this.Had Athelwold espous'd some base-born peasant,This usage had been apt: but, when he tookMy daughter to his arms, he took a virginThro' whose rich veins the blood of ancient KingsRan in unsullied stream. Yes, her high lineageWould give her place and notice with the noblestThat shines in Edgar's court. Why is not sheIn that resplendent throng? Her beauty too(I speak not from a father's foolish fondness)Would smile amid the loveliest, and reflectNo vulgar glory on that beauty's master.This act bespeaks the madman. Who, that own'dAn em'rald, jaspar, or rich chrysolite,
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