Rolla. Seek not to restrain him, I die willingly for Cora! (During this scene Cora recovers from her swoon, and as she opens her eyes perceives the struggle. She starts up with the wildest anguish, rushes hastily down the hill, and throws herself into Rolla’s arms.)
Cora. Alonzo, what would you do?
Alonzo. It is for thee!—for thy sake alone!—Should he betray thee, we are lost.
Cora. He betray me!—Rolla, my truest friend betray me!—He who was ever my defender, my intercessor, while I was yet a child,—who has so many times softened my mother’s rage when I had offended her!—Oh Rolla, you must remember it well?
Rolla. But too well!
Cora. And do you think that he would betray me?
Alonzo. Why then did he refuse the oath I required?
Cora. Had you cause sufficient to require an oath?—Look at those eyes!—are they not a stronger security for his faith than any oath?
Rolla. (Clasping her to his bosom.) Now let me die!—Let me, oh ye gods, die this very moment!—I am so happy;—so blessed!—Cora reposes confidence in me, I clasp her in my arms, I hear her voice once more!—Ah, five years have elapsed since I experienced such happiness, since I saw her except at an awful distance.
Cora. (Earnestly.) And I rejoice no less to see you again so near me!—In your presence all the happy days of my childhood seem to pass anew before my eyes—so many delightful images are present to my recollection.——