CHARACTERS. DUKE LONGUEVILLE. BEAUFORT:-bred up as the Duke's son. CARLOS: an old worthy domestic attending on Beau fort. DORICOURT. ANSELM, domestics of Doricourt. BERTRAND, THEODORA-daughter of the Duke, and wife of Dori court. CLARA ;-her attendant. Scene lies in VALENCE. Time, within twenty-four hours. THEODORA; A Tragedy. ACT I. SCENE I. Doricourt's House. THEODORA and CLARA. [Theodora is seated in a mournful attitude.] CLA. Ah, wherefore, madam, do I thus behold you! I left you gay, and lovely as the morn, Theo. [rising.] It has, indeed, taken a long farewell Of Theodora, for whom now remains Nothing but sighs and tears and heartfelt anguish! A father's power, and triumph'd o'er his love!- Is lost in the detested wife of Doricourt ! Of a fond father's heart! yet, could that heart Cla. Might not a friend in kindness represent And in the friendly shelter of the grave, Be no more lov'd, or pity'd, or remember'd! Cla. Madam, restrain this violence of grief. Theo. A parent's bitter curse, a husband's hatred, Join'd to disgrace and ruin, who can bear? Ópen, thou friendly earth, and in thy bosom Let me reposé, and hide myself in death! Cla. A father and a husband, both unkind, Teach dreadful lessons; yet, be comforted; For who has less deserv'd so hard a fate? Theo. Ah, cease, my faithful Clara, to persuade me. Have I not merited to be unhappy? O filial disobedience what can palliate? The Duke, with never-ceasing gratitude, But ought it, Doricourt, to come from thee! Theo. A mother's anxious heart would rest in peace. Cla. There is no question but his innocence Must melt your father's heart. Theo. O that it may ! It is his sole dependence; for his father, |