It is from you, Madam, I expect tidings as to
what has become of her. Be pleased to communicate them, and by your
words hasten my despair, or the happiness of my life.
ELV. Do not wonder if I delay answering you; for this news, my Lord,
bewilders me. I will not take upon me to tell your loving heart, whether
Donna Inez be dead or alive; but this gentleman here, who is one of her
most intimate friends, will doubtless give you some information about
her.
ALPH. (_Recognising Donna Inez_). Ah, Madam, in this dilemma I am happy
to behold again your heavenly beauty. But with what eye can you look
upon a fickle lover, whose crime...
INEZ. Ah! do not insult me, and venture to state that a heart, which I
hold dear, could be inconstant. I cannot bear the thought, and the
apology pains me. All the love you felt for the Princess could not
offend me, because her great worth is a sufficient excuse. The love you
bore her is no proof of your guilt towards me. Learn that if you had
been culpable, the lofty pride within me would have made you sue in vain
to overcome my contempt, and that neither repentance nor commands could
have induced me to forget such an insult.
ELV. Ah, dear brother,--allow me to call you by this gentle name,--you
render your sister very happy! I love your choice, and bless fortune,
which enables you to crown so pure a friendship! Of the two noble hearts
I so tenderly love.
Pages:
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87