Those who perhaps have the right to command me, and who are
inspired by base motives of false honour, all approve this unworthy
proposal. I do not know yet where my persecution will end; but I will
die sooner than give my consent. May you, fair Elvira, be happier in
your fate than I am_. DONNA INEZ." A lofty virtue fortifies her mind.
ELV. I will go and write an answer to this illustrious friend.
Meanwhile, Prince, learn not to give way so readily to what causes you
alarm. I have calmed your emotion by enlightening you, and the whole
affair has passed off quietly; but, to tell you the truth, a time may
come when I might entertain other sentiments.
GARC. What? you believe then...
ELV. I believe what I ought. Farewell, remember what I tell you; if your
love for me be really so great as you pretend, prove it as I wish.
GARC. Henceforth this will be my only desire; and sooner than fail in
it, I will lose my life.
ACT II.
SCENE I.--ELIZA, DON LOPEZ.
EL. To speak my mind freely to you, I am not much astonished at anything
the Prince may do; for it is very natural, and I cannot disapprove of
it, that a soul inflamed by a noble passion should become exasperated by
jealousy, and that frequent doubts should cross his mind: but what
surprises me, Don Lopez, is to hear that you keep alive his suspicions;
that you are the contriver of them; that he is sad only because you wish
it, jealous only because he looks at everything with your eyes.
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