RIENZI ON HIS DAUGHTER'S MARRIAGE.

A bridal

Is but a gilt and painted funeral

To the fond father who hath yielded up

His one sweet child. Claudia, thy love, thy duty,

Thy very name, is gone. Thou are another's;

Thou hast a master now; and I have thrown

My precious pearl away. Yet men who give

A living daughter to the fickle will

Of a capricious bridegroom, laugh—the madmen!