Laura. Hah, that seemed a jealous pang—it gives my hopes new life. [Aside.] Yes, Florio, he, indeed, knows what it is to love. For me he forsook a beauteous wife; nay, and with me he would forsake his country.
Vict. Villain! Villain!
Laura. Nay, let not the thought distress you thus—Carlos I despise—he is the weakest of mankind.
Vict. 'Tis false, madam, you cannot despise him. Carlos the weakest of mankind! Heavens! what woman could resist him? Persuasion sits on his tongue, and love, almighty love, triumphant in his eyes!
Laura. This is strange; you speak of your rival with the admiration of a mistress.
Vict. Laura! it is the fate of jealousy as well as love, to see the charms of its object, increased and heightened. I am jealous—jealous to distraction, of Don Carlos; and cannot taste peace, unless you'll swear never to see him more.
Laura. I swear, joyfully swear, never to behold or speak to him again. When, dear youth, shall we retire to Portugal?—We are not safe here.
Vict. You know I am not rich.—You must first sell the lands my rival gave you.
[Observing her with apprehension.
Laura. 'Tis done—I have found a purchaser, and to-morrow the transfer will be finished.