His soul seems to live upon
suspicions; and so I do my very best to find him opportunities for his
uneasiness, and to look out on all sides if anything has happened that
may furnish a subject for a secret conversation. When I can go to him,
with a piece of news that may give a deadly blow to his repose, then he
loves me most: I can see him listen eagerly and swallow the poison, and
thank me for it too, as if I had brought him news of some victory which
would make him happy and glorious for all his life. But my rival draws
near, and so I leave you together; though I have renounced all hope of
ever gaining your affection, yet it would pain me not a little to see
you prefer him to me before my face; therefore I will avoid such a
mortification as much as I can.
[Footnote: Don Lopez bears a distant resemblance to "honest Iago" in
Othello, though Moli?re has only faintly shadowed forth what Shakespeare
has worked out in so masterly a manner.]
EL. All judicious lovers should do the same.
SCENE II.--DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA.
ALV. At last we have received intelligence that the king of Navarre has
this very day declared himself favourable to the Prince's love, and that
a number of fresh troops will reinforce his army, ready to be employed
in the service of her to whom his wishes aspire.
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