SCENE THE LAST.
INTERIOR OF ABBEY.
All the Characters discovered.
Æmilia.
Such is our history—and now
The joys that gild the evening of our days
Let all partake.
Ant. of Syr. (Turning to Luciana.)
Ay, all—say you not so, fair gentlewoman!
And what I told you, when you call'd me brother?
The time, the place incites me to make good—
May I not hope that a more tender name?—
Luciana.
Should I find thee
Worthy and constant, as my mind suggests,
The general joy that smiles around, shall not
Be damp'd by any vain reserve of mine.
-- 85 --
Ant. of Syr. (Kneeling to her and taking her hand.)
Brother, behold!
I've lost a sister, but I've gain'd a wife!
(Rises.)
What say'st thou, Dromio?
Dr. of Syr.
Say—that, thank fortune,
I've gain'd a sister and have lost a wife!
Brother, my service to the fair, fat queen
Of the kitchen.
Dr. of Eph.
Brother, the less that's said on that subject
The better.
Duke.
Now to the palace, and there crown our joys.
Æmilia.
Joys past the reach of hope—our lesson this—
That misery past endears our present bliss—
Wherein we read with wonder and delight
This sacred truth—“whatever is, is right!”
FINALE.—(Tempest, and Midsummer Night's Dream.)
Luciana.
Honour, riches, marriage, blessing,
Long continuance, and increasing;
Hourly joys be still upon you!
Heaven showers its blessings on you!
CHORUS.
Honours, riches, &c.
-- 86 --
Luciana.
If we shadows have offended,
Do but smile, and all is ended.
CHORUS.
Honour, riches, &c.
Adriana.
Gentles, do not reprehend;
If you pardon, we will mend.
CHORUS.
Honour, riches, &c.
