Zemp. And he, that does this stranger's fate design, Must, to his heart, a passage force through mine.
Trax. Can fair Orazia yet no pity have? 'Tis just she should her own preserver save.
Zemp. Can Montezuma so ungrateful prove To her, that gave him life, and offers love?
Oraz. Can Montezuma live, and live to be
Just to another, and unjust to me?
You need not be ungrateful; can she give
A life to you, if you refuse to live?—
Forgive my passion; I had rather see
You dead, than kind to any thing but me.
Mont. O, my Orazia!
To what new joys and knowledge am I brought!
Are death's hard lessons by a woman taught?
How to despise my fate I always knew;
But ne'er durst think, at once, of death and you:
Yet since you teach this generous jealousy,
I dare not wish your life, if I must die.
How much your love my courage does exceed!
Courage alone would shrink to see you bleed!
Zemp. Ungrateful stranger! thou shalt please thy eyes,
And gaze upon Orazia while she dies!—
I'll keep my vow!—It is some joy to see,
That my revenge will prove my piety.
Trax. Then both shall die!—We have too long withstood, By private passions urged, the public good.
Zemp. Sure he dissembles; and, perhaps, may prove My ruin, with his new ambitious love: Were but this stranger kind, I'd cross his art, And give my empire, where I gave my heart. [Aside. Yet, thou ungrateful man, Let thy approaching ruin make thee wise.
Mont. Thee, and thy love, and mischief, I despise!
Zemp. What shall I do? Some way must yet be tried;— What reason can she use whom passions guide!