ADELE. Thy lips are tuned to sweetest music. How I should love a lock of that bright hair! Oh, grant me one, but one,-and, though a maid, It is my privilege, oh, thou most beautiful! Kneel, gentle girl. ADELE. By all my fond heart's brightest hopes, I vow! IOLA. Take this, then, to thy heart, and guard it well, ADELE. (Kisses her forehead.) Oh, bright creation, innocence most pure! Farewell, until the morrow! (Music.) "I love thee as my life; My life is all for thee! Thee, whose bright eyes do light My heart to misery!" (Adele retires as she repeats the verses—Iola starts, and runs to Margaret, and both regard Adele until she is gone. Music the whole time.) ACT III. SCENE I.-Sea-shore. Morning. wwwww Enter LESTER and PERCY, R. H. LESTER. I'm glad thou art returned; these London trips PERCY. Eight days, only eight days, my lovesick youth! Then wish me joy! LESTER. Fortune has thrown a garland at my feet, So beautiful! PERCY. LESTER. Perfection's found a home in those bright eyes, Hast spoken to her? PERCY. LESTER. I've held her small white hand within my own, And on my forehead, there, have pressed her lips! PERCY. But how was 't done, and what says Master Grimes? Listen, Percy! LESTER. I dressed myself in borrowed plumes, and as a maid, Found her more lovely far than e'en the dream I told my tale of love, my sorrowing heart, (Showing hair.) Pressed on my burning brow her young red lip, Methought, meek Innocence, clad in robes of snow, Waved her white wings, and owned her for her child! For every day, at half-past six o'clock, I bend my eager steps unto her house, And for one hour amuse the tedious time With tales, and songs, and airs, whose burden is "Love,-love,-for ever love!" PERCY. And dost thou masquerade to-night? LESTER. I would not miss so doing for the world! PERCY. But then her fair, unspotted fame? LESTER. O! she will never suffer hurt by me! I would not have a wish within my heart PERCY. Forgive my friendly warmth !— LESTER. There is nothing to forgive-except my rashness. Then undeceive her, Lester; Oh, do not (Enter by L. flat Sir William Stanton.) To-morrow night I will! LESTER. PERCY. (Sir William advances.) This night-I pray you, Lester, let it be This night! LESTER. And perhaps for ever break the magic spell! SIR WILLIAM (addressing Lester very abruptly). Sir PERCY (interposing). Didst speak to me, Sir? LESTER. SIR WILLIAM (to Lester). Of Lady Iola! What of her, young cavalier? LESTER. (Disparagingly.) Are you, Sir, my confessor? SIR WILLIAM (hand on hilt). This sword may be! Sir-youth! LESTER. "T were safer in its scabbard than your hand, Sir priest ! Aye, young Sir! Dost know me now? Thy high-flushed cheek, and fiery eye, proclaim Some knowledge. (Lester retires L. H.) PERCY (advances). Let me advise you, Sir, to pass your way: The law of courtesy is already broken. I pray you, Sir, retire. SIR WILLIAM. He spoke of Iola-the Lady Iola ! That lady, Sir, is my affianced bride. Nor shall her beauteous name be lightly touched Or me! PERCY. The tongue which spoke of Iola, but now, |