Count Alarcos; a Tragedy - LightNovelsOnl.com
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SCENE 2
A Chamber in the Palace of Alarcos.
The COUNTESS and SIDONIA.
IV:2:1 SIDO.
Lady, you're moved: nay, 'twas an idle word.
IV:2:2 COUN.
But was it true?
IV:2:3 SIDO.
And yet might little mean.
IV:2:4 COUN.
That I should live to doubt!
IV:2:5 SIDO.
But do not doubt; Forget it, lady. You should know him well; Nay, do not credit it.
IV:2:6 COUN.
He's very changed.
I would not own, no, not believe that change, I've given it every gloss that might confirm My sinking heart. Time and your tale agree; Alas! 'tis true.
IV:2:7 SIDO.
I hope not; still believe It is not true. Would that I had not spoken!
It was unguarded prate.
IV:2:8 COUN.
You have done me service: Condemned, the headsman is no enemy, Bat closes suffering.
IV:2:9 SIDO.
Yet a bitter doom To torture those you'd bless. I have a thought.
What if this eve you visit this same spot, That shrouds these meetings? If he's wanting then, The rest might prove as false.
IV:2:10 COUN.
He will be there, I feel he will be there.
IV:2:11 SIDO.
We should not think so, Until our eyes defeat our hopes.
IV:2:12 COUN.
O Burgos, My heart misgave me when I saw thy walls!
To doubt is madness, yet 'tis not despair, And that may be my lot.
IV:2:13 SIDO.
The palace gardens Are closed, except to master-keys. Here's one, My office gives it me, and it can count Few brethren. You will be alone.
IV:2:14 COUN.
Alas!
I dare not hope so.
IV:2:15 SIDO.
Well, well, think of this; Yet take the key.
IV:2:16 COUN.
O that it would unlock The heart now closed to me! To watch his ways Was once my being. Shall I prove the spy Of joys I may not share? I will not take That fatal key.
IV:2:17 SIDO.
'Tis well; I pray you, pardon My ill-timed zeal.
IV:2:18 COUN.
Indeed, I should be grateful That one should wish to serve me. Can it be?
'Tis not two months, two little, little months, You crossed this threshold first; Ah! gentle air, And we were all so gay! What have I done?
What is all this? so sudden and so strange?
It is not true, I feel it is not true; 'Tis factious care that clouds his brow, and calls For all this timed absence. His brain's busy With the State. Is't not so? I prithee speak, And say you think it.
IV:2:19 SIDO.
You should know him well; And if you deem it so, why I should deem The inference just.
IV:2:20 COUN.
Yet if he were not there, How happy I should sleep! there is no peril; The garden's near; and is there shame? 'Tis love Makes me a lawful spy. He'll not be there, And then there is no prying.
IV:2:21 SIDO.
Near at hand, Crossing the way that bounds your palace court, There is a private portal.
IV:2:22 COUN.
If I go, He will not miss me. Ah, I would he might!
So very near; no, no; I cannot go; And yet I'll take the key.
[Takes the key.]
Would thou could'st speak, Thou little instrument, and tell me all The secrets of thy office! My heart beats; 'Tis my first enterprise; I would it were To do him service. No, I cannot go; Farewell, kind sir; indeed I am so troubled, I must retire.
[Exit COUNTESS.]
IV:2:23 SIDO.
Thy virtue makes me vile; And what should move my heart inflames my soul.
O marvellous world, wherein I play the villain From very love of excellence! But for him, I'd be the rival of her stainless thoughts And mate her purity. Hah!
[Enter ORAN.]
IV:2:24 ORAN.
My n.o.ble lord!
IV:2:25 SIDO.
