Then you really feel yourself at liberty to tell me that my elder brother lives—that I may charge him with his cruel deceit, and transfer to his shoulders the hideous thraldom under which I have laboured for so many years! Free—free at last! Free to live a blameless life, and to die beloved and regretted by all who knew me! DUET—SIR DESPARD and RICHARD. RICH. You understand? SIR D. I think I do; With vigour unshaken This step shall be taken. It's neatly planned. RICH. I think so too; I'll readily bet it You'll never regret it! BOTH. For duty, duty must be done; The rule applies to every one, And painful though that duty be, To shirk the task were fiddle-de-dee! SIR D. The bridegroom comes— RICH. Likewise the bride— The maidens are very Elated and merry; They are her chums. SIR D. To lash their pride Were almost a pity, The pretty committee! BOTH. But duty, duty must be done; The rule applies to every one, And painful though that duty be, To shirk the task were fiddle-de-dee! (Exeunt Richard and Sir Despard.) (Enter Chorus of Bridesmaids and Bucks.) CHORUS OF BRIDESMAIDS. Hail the bride of seventeen summers: In fair phrases Hymn her praises; Lift your song on high, all comers. She rejoices In your voices. Smiling summer beams upon her, Shedding every blessing on her: Maidens greet her— Kindly treat her— You may all be brides some day! CHORUS OF BUCKS. Hail the bridegroom who advances, Agitated, Yet elated. He's in easy circumstances, Young and lusty, True and trusty. ALL. Smiling summer beams upon her, etc. (Enter Robin, attended by Richard and Old Adam, meeting Rose, attended by Zorah and Dame Hannah. Rose and Robin embrace.) MADRIGAL. ROSE, DAME HANNAH, RICHARD, OLD ADAM with CHORUS. ROSE. When the buds are blossoming, Smiling welcome to the spring, Lovers choose a wedding day— Life is love in merry May!