Sigismund. Rosaura. Nay; Departing thus abruptly is not begging, And if Thou wilt not grant it, I must take it so. Sigismund. Thou wilt soon change my courtesy to rudeness- Rosaura. But if that venom, full of rage and madness, Sigismund. Clotaldo. Rosaura. Nay, as thou dar'st me thus, Still he persists. Oh Heav'ns, what must I do? Sure, 'twas not in vain Sigismund. I appeared courteous, thinking to restrain thee As thou hast said, thou shalt know all I am.- Rosaura. Listen. Sigismund. [Exit CLARIN. I am lost, oh Heav'ns! I am a tyrant, and in vain Clotaldo (aside). Sigismund. Clotaldo. I will prevent him, though it cost my life. Hapless fate! What! Again Dost thou provoke my anger, weak old man? Hearing this cry, I came If thou would'st reign, and not show cruelty; Sigismund. Touching that truth thou dost increase my rage; I will discover that, by killing thee. (As he is drawing his dagger, CLOTALDO arrests it, kneeling.) Clotaldo. Thus would I save my life. Sigismund. Release the dagger. Clotaldo. I will not loose my hold, till those appear Who will restrain thine anger. [Exit. Rosaura. Help! help! or good Clotaldo will be slain. ASTOLFO enters, while CLOTALDO falls at his feet, and places himself between them. Astolfo. Why, what is this I see, most valiant Prince? Sigismund. Astolfo. Must steel so brave be bathed in frozen blood? With this foul traitor's blood. Ay, when 'tis stained Nay, at my feet He finds a refuge-not in vain I came. Sigismund. No, for thou cam'st to die; and I can thus Avenge myself of all affronts on thee. Astolfo. To guard my life is no offence to majesty. (ASTOLFO draws his sword-they fight.) Enter the KING BASILIO, ESTRELLA, and Train. Basilio. Clotaldo. Oh, hurt him not, my lord! What mean these swords? What has occurred? Estrella. Astolfo-oh my heart! Astolfo. Nothing, your Majesty, now thou art here. (They sheath their swords.) Sigismund. Yes, much has happened-nuch-though thou art here. I tried to kill this greybeard. Sigismund. Foolish thought, To fancy I should care for hoary locks! I have not yet avenged the foul injustice Which in my training thou hast wrought on me. [Exit. Basilio. Before that happens thou shalt sleep again, A blessing to the world it was no more. [Exeunt the KING and CLOTALDO. ASTOLFO and ESTRELLA remain. Astolfo. Fate does not oft deceive, foretelling ill, As it is doubtful in felicity. Oh, he would be a wise astrologer Who always prophesied some evil chance- ROSAURA enters and remains apart. Rosaura (aside). Thank Heav'n, my woes have reached their goal at Astolfo. last; Who beholds this, can have nought else to fear. That portrait will I pluck from out my heart, For when the star appears, the shade recedes, * Literally they are "not good bills.”—J. O. And when the sun appears, the star recedes. Rosaura (aside). I have not heard a word, so much I feared [Exit. Estrella. Rosaura. Estrella. Rosaura. Estrella. Rosaura. Estrella. Rosaura. Here! Astræa! Lady! I'm glad that thou hast come,-to thee alone Noble Lady! Good Astræa, Well then- to be brief- I say no more, thou art discreet and fair, Would I had known it not! Oh, is there one A method to relieve me and console me? [Exit. Astolfo. Rosaura. Astolfo. Astolfo. Rosaura. They are most brave, for ever they advance, Lest they should leave him. Well can I say this; I sink a victim to my evil fate. But at this juncture,-Oh! what must I do? I may offend Clotaldo, who has giv'n When he is present, how shall I dissemble? For though my voice, my eyes, my tongue may feign, What must I do? What I must do? Yet wherefore thus reflect For 'tis most evident, However I prepare myself, howe'er When the occasion comes, that I must do That which my grief commands,-as none hold sway Enter ASTOLFO with the Picture. Here is the picture, lady,-gracious God! My humbleness deserves not such high fortune, Enough, enough! Nay, your Highness, The old joke.—J. O. |