Before the altar like a rainbowed saint;
To take the blessed wafer from his hand,
Confess my heart to him, and all night long
Pray for him while he slept, or through the lattice
Watch while he read, and see the holy thoughts
Swell in his big deep eyes!--Alas! that dream
Is wilder than the one that's fading even now!
Who's here? [A Page enters.]

Page. The Count of Varila, Madam, begs permission to speak with
you.

Eliz. With me? What's this new terror?
Tell him I wait him.

Isen [aside]. Ah! my old heart sinks--
God send us rescue! Here the champion comes.

[Count Walter enters.]

Wal. Most learned, fair, and sanctimonious Princess--
Plague, what comes next? I had something orthodox ready;
'Tis dropped out by the way.--Mass! here's the pith on't.--
Madam, I come a-wooing; and for one
Who is as only worthy of your love,
As you of his; he bids me claim the spousals
Made long ago between you,--and yet leaves
Your fancy free, to grant or pass that claim:
And being that Mercury is not my planet,
He hath advised himself to set herein,