come! I cried to thee,
young brother in adversity!--"thou art deserted by thy mortal parents,
and my heavenly father has forsaken me!" From that moment I felt I had a
motive left to cherish life, since my existence could be useful to a
fellow-being--my wanderings finished, and I settled in Alsace. Eighteen
years have followed that event; but I shall not comment on their course.

_Flor._ (_with energy._) Yet, sir, those years must not, shall not pass
forgotten. Deeds of generous charity have made them sacred, and an
orphan's blessing wafts their eulogy to heaven--_he casts himself at De
Valmont's feet_). Friend! protector! more than parent! the beings who
had called me into life denied my claim, and you performed the duties
nature had renounced. Ah! sir, I am thoughtless, volatile, my manners
wild--but, from my inmost soul, I love, I reverence, I bless my
benefactor!

_De Val._ Rise young man! your virtues have repaid my cares. Here let us
dismiss the past, and advert to the future. Geraldine is my heiress; my
niece and my vassals must receive the same master: both are objects of
my care, and I would confide them only to a man of honor. Florian! let
Geraldine become your wife--be you hereafter the protector of my people.

_Flor._ Merciful powers! what is it that I hear? I?--the child of
accident and mystery: a wretched foundling: I?

_De Val._ Young man, your sentiments and your actions have proved
themselves the legitimate offspring of honor, and I require no pedigree
for limbs and features. Fortune forbade you to inherit a name, but she
has granted you a prouder boast: you have founded one. Common men vaunt
of the actions of their forefathers, but the superior spirit declares
his own! Nay, no reply--I never form or break a resolution lightly.
I know your heart: I am acquainted with Geraldine's; they beat
responsive to each other--your passion has my consent: your marriage
shall receive my blessing. Farewell. [_He exits suddenly, and prevents
Florian by his action from any reply._]

_Flor._ Heard I aright? Yes, he pronounced it--"Geraldine is thine."
Earth's gross substantial touch is felt no more: I mount in air, and
rest on sunbeams! Oh! if I dream now--royal Mab! abuse me ever with thy
dear deceits; for in serious wakeful hours, truth ne'er can touch my
senses with a joy so bright. O! I could sing, dance, laugh, shout; and
yet methinks, had I a woman's privilege, I'd rather weep; for tears are
pleasure's oracles