The Revenge Part 2

_Zan._ Hadst thou a thousand lives, thy death would please me.

Unhappy fate! my country overcome!

My six years' hope of vengeance quite expir'd!-- Would nature were--I will not fall alone: But others' groans shall tell the world my death. [_exit._

_Enter Leonora._

_Alon._ When nature ends with anguish like to this, Sinners shall take their last leave of the sun, And bid his light adieu.

_Leon._ The mighty conqueror Dismay'd! I thought you gave the foe your sorrows.

_Alon._ Oh, cruel insult! are those tears your sport, Which nothing but a love for you could draw?

Afric I quell'd, in hope by that to purchase Your leave to sigh unscorn'd; but I complain not; 'Twas but a world, and you are--Leonora.

_Leon._ That pa.s.sion which you boast of is your guilt, A treason to your friend. You think mean of me, To plead your crimes as motives of my love.

_Alon._ You, madam, ought to thank those crimes you blame!

'Tis they permit you to be thus inhuman, Without the censure both of earth and heav'n-- I fondly thought a last look might be kind.

Farewell for ever.--This severe behaviour Has, to my comfort, made it sweet to die.

_Leon._ Farewell for ever! Sweet to die! Oh, heav'n!

Alonzo, stay; you must not thus escape me; But hear your guilt at large.

_Alon._ Oh, Leonora!

What could I do?--In duty to my friend, I saw you; and to see is to admire.

For Carlos did I plead, and most sincerely.

Witness the thousand agonies it cost me.

You know I did; I sought but your esteem; If that is guilt, an angel had been guilty.

_Leon._ If from your guilt none suffer'd but yourself, It might be so--Farewell. [_going._

_Alon._ Who suffers with me?

_Leon._ Enjoy your ignorance, and let me go.

_Alon._ What mean these tears?

_Leon._ I weep by chance; nor have my tears a meaning.

But, oh, when first I saw Alonzo's tears, I knew their meaning well!

[_Alonzo falls on his knees, and takes her hand._

_Alon._ Heav'ns! what is this? that excellence, for which Desire was planted in the heart of man; Virtue's supreme reward on this side heav'n; The cordial of my soul--and this destroys me-- Indeed, I flatter'd me that thou didst hate.

_Leon._ Alonzo, pardon me the injury Of loving you. I struggled with my pa.s.sion, And struggled long: let that be some excuse.

_Alon._ Unkind! you know I think your love a blessing Beyond all human blessings! 'tis the price Of sighs and groans, and a whole year of dying.

But, oh, the curse of curses!--Oh, my friend!--

_Leon._ Alas!

_Alon._ What says my love? speak, Leonora.

_Leon._ Was it for you, my lord, to be so quick In finding out objections to our love?

Think you so strong my love, or weak my virtue, It was unsafe to leave that part to me?

_Alon._ Is not the day then fix'd for your espousals?

_Leon._ Indeed, my father once had thought that way; But marking how the marriage pain'd my heart, Long he stood doubtful; but at last resolv'd Your counsel, which determines him in all, Should finish the debate.

_Alon._ Oh, agony!

Must I not only lose her, but be made Myself the instrument? not only die, But plunge the dagger in my heart myself?

This is refining on calamity.

_Leon._ What, do you tremble lest you should be mine?

For what else can you tremble? not for that My father places in your power to alter.

_Alon._ What's in my pow'r? oh, yes, to stab my friend!

_Leon._ To stab your friend were barbarous indeed!

Spare him--and murder me.

_Alon._ First perish all!

No, Leonora, I am thine for ever. [_embraces her._

_Leon._ Hold, Alonzo, And hear a maid whom doubly thou hast conquer'd.

I love thy virtue as I love thy person, And I adore thee for the pains it gave me; But as I felt the pains, I'll reap the fruit; I'll shine out in my turn, and show the world Thy great example was not lost upon me.

Nay, never shrink; take back the bright example You lately lent; Oh, take it while you may, While I can give it you, and be immortal! [_exit._

_Alon._ She's gone, and I shall see that face no more; But pine in absence, and till death adore.

When with cold dew my fainting brow is hung, And my eyes darken, from my falt'ring tongue Her name will tremble in a feeble moan, And love with fate divide my dying groan. [_exit._

ACT THE SECOND.

SCENE I. THE SAME.

_Enter Don Manuel and Zanga._

_Zan._ If this be true, I cannot blame your pain For wretched Carlos; 'tis but humane in you.

But when arriv'd your dismal news?

_Man._ This hour.

_Zan._ What, not a vessel sav'd?

_Man._ All, all, the storm Devour'd; and now o'er his late envy'd fortune The dolphins bound, and wat'ry mountains roar, Triumphant in his ruin.