Alfred de Rosann — page 115: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

106 ALFRED DE ROSANN. hear your sweet voice joined to the harmony of one of your favourite instruments. I merely combatted your uncle’s wishes for a moment, because I fancied that you yourself were unwilling to indulge us with an air.”’ | Eloise accordingly drew a chair towards her harp, ran her delicate fingers lightly over the strings, then paused to recollect the words of a song which she had never warbled since the day of her lover’s arrest under a terrible accusation; and, having convinced herself of the fidelity of her memory, she commenced the following air -— LE PORTRAIT CHARMANT. O beauteous counterpart of him I love, Delightful pledge of tenderness to me, Sent by thy lord, to say that I might prove, At least some solace in regarding thee! There are the features that I once admired, The tender look, and loftiness of air ; And when I pressed thee to my bosom, fired With hope, it seems as if himself were there. But, oh! thou hast not half thy master’s charms, Mute—passionless spectator of my wo: The joys we tasted in each other’s arms, Rush to my mind and bid the tear-drops flow. E;ixtenuate my language, if severe— Forgive the wretchedness that fills my heart ; And though thou dost but represent him here, Ever in thee I find his counterpart. “Your voice has not lost its harmony, my dear Eloise, nor your memory its tenacity,”’ cried Mr. Clayton, his countenance radiant with satisfaction, as the last words of this pathetic strain died away from his niece’s lips. “Tt is a sweet song, and exactly suited to your voice, Eloise’? added Mrs. Clayton with a smile Gomichbooks.Gcom