RICHELIEU. And the silly child Visits me daily; calls me "Father;" prays She does not heed who frowns, who smiles; with whom Men who last week were foes, are found in corners Within closed doors she never hears; by chance No ears, nor eyes! and yet she says "She loves me!" JOSEPH. Your ward has charm'd the king RICHELIEU. Out on you! Have I not, one by one, from such fair shoots And shall it creep around my blossoming tree, Where innocent thoughts, like happy birds, make music JOSEPH. This not the worst; Louis, in all decorous, RICHELIEU. I have another bride for Baradas. You, my lord? JOSEPH. Ha! ha! RICHELIEU. Ay, more faithful than the love JOSEPH (aside). If of the grave he speaks, I do not wonder Enter François. FRANCOIS. Mademoiselle de Mortemar. RICHELIEU. Most opportune; admit her. [Exit François. In my closet You'll find a rosary, Joseph; ere you tell Three hundred beads, I'll summon you. Stay, Joseph; I did omit an ave in my matins, A grievous fault; atone it for me, Joseph; There is a scourge within; I am weak, you strong; On such broad shoulders. Exercise is healthful. JOSEPH. I! guilty of such criminal presumption As to mistake myself for you! No, never! Think it not! (Aside) Troth, a pleasant invitation! Enter Julie de Mortemar: RICHELIEU. [Exit Joseph. That's my sweet Julie! why, upon this face Blushes such daybreak, one might swear the morning Were come to visit Tithon. JULIE (placing herself at his feet). May I say "Father?" Are you gracious? RICHELIEU. Now and ever! JULIE. A sweet word to an orphan. RICHELIEU. Father! No; not orphan While Richelieu lives; thy father loved me well; Thy mate amid the mightiest. Drooping? sighs? JULIE. Not often. RICHELIEU (aside). Can she love Baradas? Ah! at thy heart Our worthy king. JULIE. He's very tiresome, RICHELIEU. Fy; kings are never tiresome, Save to their ministers. What courtly gallants Charm ladies most? De Sourdiac, Longueville, or RICHELIEU. Right, girl, shun Baradas. Yet of these flowers I mean-I-does your eminence-that is- RICHELIEU. Well! and you Has he address'd you often? JULIE. Often! No; Nine times; nay, ten; the last time by the lattice RICHELIEU. So you note his colours, Julie ? Shame on you, child, look loftier. By the mass, JULIE. You're angry with poor Julie. There's no cause. RICHELIEU. No cause; you hate my foes? JULIE. I do! RICHELIEU. Hate Mauprat? JULIE. Not Mauprat. No, not Adrien, father. RICHELIEU. Adrien ! Familiar! Go, child; no, not that way; wait JULIE. His brows are knit; I dare not call him father! Smile on me-one smile more; there, now I'm happy. RICHELIEU. Not rank De Mauprat with my foes? So be it. JULIE. That's my own father. C |