Ideal monologue (Act 5) — The Merchant Prince of Cornville: A Comedy

See how great Nature lavishes in this Hard wrinkle in the globe a subtle and Refining power, as if it were the open Volume of the earth with fern-clad cliffs For lettered pages. Here the glad sun comes In his most favoring hour, with impress of A God, in splendor sparkling down the glen. Ye ferns that spring along these cliffs with light And airy grace, see but my Violet, And ye shall take a new and tender charm. Yon rainbow, in the sportive mist above The cascade glowing, well a brighter bow Might grow when it doth catch the arch words of Bright Violet. Ye berries crimsoning On yonder bushes, were ye roseate As are the ripe red lips of Violet, Wise men a holiday would take, and go A-berrying. E’en weeds along the cliff Were like some pretty fault in Violet,-- Sweet contrast growing but for beauty’s foil. Be free and happy, all created things; Ye singing birds, your melodies attune; And ye, blithe squirrels--Peeping Toms of trees-- From out your leafy coverts peep, and I’ll Not jealous be.