RUDDIGORE
141
Go bend the knee
At Vice's shrine,
Of life with me
All hope resign.
Farewell!
Sir Despard.
Take me—I am thy bride!
All
Hurrah!
Bridesmaids
Hail the Bridegroom—hail the Bride!
When the nuptial knot is tied;
Every day will bring some joy
That can never, never cloy!
Enter Margaret, who listens
Sir D.
Rose.
Sir D.
Mar.
Sir D.
Excuse me, I'm a virtuous person now—
That's why I wed you!
And I to Margaret must keep my vow!
Have I misread you?
Oh, joy! with newly kindled rapture warmed,
I kneel before you! [Kneels.
I once disliked you; now that I've reformed,
How I adore you! [They embrace.
Bridesmaids
Hail the Bridegroom—hail the Bride!
When the nuptial knot is tied;
Every day will bring some joy
That can never, never cloy!
Rose.
Richard, of him I love bereft,
Through thy design,
Thou art the only one that's left,
So I am thine! [They embrace.