_Sir M._ Alexis, I desire that of your love for this young lady you do not speak so openly. You are always singing ballads in praise of her beauty, and you expect the very menials who wait behind your chair to chorus your ecstasies. It is not delicate. _Alex._ Father, a man who loves as I love---- _Sir M._ Pooh, pooh, sir! fifty years ago I madly loved your future mother-in-law, the Lady Sangazure, and I have reason to believe that she returned my love. But were we guilty of the indelicacy of publicly rushing into each other’s arms, exclaiming-- RECITATIVE. “Oh, my adored one!” “Beloved boy!” “Ecstatic rapture!” “Unmingled joy!” which seems to be the modern fashion of love-making? No, it was, “Madam, I trust you are in the enjoyment of good health.”--“Sir, you are vastly polite, I protest I am mighty well”--and so forth. Much more delicate--much more respectful. But see--Aline approaches; let us retire, that she may compose herself for the interesting ceremony in which she is to play so important a part. [_Exeunt SIR MARMADUKE into house._ _Enter ALINE, preceded by Chorus of _Girls_._ CHORUS OF GIRLS. With heart and with voice Let us welcome this mating: To the youth of her choice, With a heart palpitating, Comes the lovely Aline! May their love never cloy! May their bliss be unbounded! With a halo of joy May their lives be surrounded! Heaven bless our Aline! RECITATIVE.--ALINE. My kindly friends, I thank you for this greeting, And as you wish me every earthly joy, I trust your wishes may have quick fulfilment! ARIA.--ALINE. Oh, happy young heart! Comes thy young lord a-wooing, With joy in his eyes, And pride in his breast. Make much of thy prize, For he is the best That ever came a-suing. Yet--yet we must part, Young heart! Yet--yet we must part. Oh, merry young heart, Bright are the days of thy wooing! But happier far The days untried. No sorrow can mar When Love has tied The knot there’s no undoing. Then, never to part, Young heart! Then, never to part! _Enter LADY SANGAZURE._ RECITATIVE.--LADY S. My child, I join in these congratulations. Heed not the tear that dims this aged eye! Old memories crowd upon me. Though I sorrow, ’Tis for myself, Aline, and not for thee! _Enter ALEXIS from house, preceded by Chorus of _Men_._ CHORUS OF MEN AND WOMEN.