Note 278 — SCENE II.

[The above song is a parody on that pathetic one—given below—written by Sheridan, and introduced into Kotzebue’s drama of The Stranger, to be overheard by the latter. It was sung by Mrs. Bland—as Annetta—to a melody by the Duchess of Devonshire, in a manner, it is said, that thrilled every heart.

“I have a silent sorrow here,

A grief I’ll ne’er impart;

It breathes no sigh, it sheds no tear,

But it consumes my heart.

This cherish’d woe, this lov’d despair,

My lot for ever be;

So my soul’s lord, the pangs I bear

Be never known by thee!

“And when pale characters of death

Shall mark this alter’d cheek;

When my poor wasted trembling breath

My life’s last hope would speak;

I shall not raise my eyes to heaven,

Nor mercy ask for me,

My soul despairs to be forgiv’n,

Unpardon’d, love, by thee!”—Ed.]