With blunted anguish under robes of state!

"'No! Henry, no! Alas! too well you know,

The misery of an affected smile,

The pain of clearing the thought-clouded brow,

To covet for yourself the hateful toil!

"'And since my choice, and reason both approve,

Since I have known you many a circling year,

And time has well assur'd me of your love,

Tell me, my Henry, what have I to fear?

"'My father, though by worldly prudence led,