_Cæsa._ My soul! my Amelrosa,--Now all planets Rain plagues upon my perjured head, if e'er I break the vow, which here I breathe; this heart, Filled but with thee, and formed but to adore thee, Is thine, my love, thine now, and thine forever!
_Amel._ Hark!--steps approach----Estella?
_Estel._ [_who has retired, advances hastily._] Haste, Cæsario, You must away! the king's returned, I see His train now loitering near the garden-gate, Fly by the private postern.
_Cæsa._ Straight I'll follow. [_Exit_ Estella. And must I leave thee, leave thee for so long too? The king's affairs now call me far from Burgos, And ere we meet again twelve hours must pass.
_Cæsa._ Yet should I leave thee With calmer soul, nor feel such pain in absence, Were I but sure one wish----
_Amel._ [_Eagerly._] Oh! name it, name it, But ask me nothing light in action: ask me Something strange, hard, and painful: Something, such As none would dare to do but one who loves. Name, name this blessed wish.
_Cæsa._'Tis this--From midnight, Till my return, avoid the royal tower.
_Cæsa._ When we meet Thou shalt know all; till then forgive my silence: Seal with a kiss thy promise, then farewell.
[_Here_ Alfonso _advances in silence; his eyes are fixed on his daughter, his hands are folded, and his whole appearance expresses the utmost dejection._]
_Amel._ Farewell, since it must be farewell----But mark, See not Ottilia ere you go.
_Amel._ And when the bell's deep tongue announces midnight, Breathe thou my name, for at that hour, my love, I'll think on thee.--That hour! Oh, fool! as if Hours could be found in which I think not on thee. And must thou go?--Nay, if thou must, away, Or I shall bid thee stay, and stay forever. Farewell my husband!
[_Turning round, her eye rests on_ Alfonso. _She starts, and remains as petrified with terror. After a pause, he passes her in silence; but, on his reaching the door, she rushes towards him, her hands clasped in supplication._]
[Alfonso _motions to forbid her following, and goes off_.]
_Amel._ Oh! I'm lost! [_She falls senseless on the ground._]
_Otti._ Was it so sudden?--What, no cause assigned, And so severe a shock too?--Trust me, Inis, Thy tale alarms me.
_Inis._ On the earth we found her Senseless and cold: we raised and bore her hither, Where she revived only to sigh and sorrow, Wring her fair hands, and shriek her father's name.