Enter Zorayda.
hermione.
Why this silence?—Thy message.
zorayda.
Askest thou?—Thanks!—What marvel? they speak not
With unembodied tongue!
hermione.
Thou comest, then,
But on a thankless errand; I dispense
With empty words.
zorayda.
Why then I go unaudienced.
I would not vex thee, lady;—thou art strung
By unseen anguish, e'en to the topmost pitch
Thy nature bears. One other strain, it breaks!
hermione.
What knowest thou?
zorayda.
That other comes!
hermione.
Too soon,
I wot, these heart-strings break not. How, beldame?
Thy prying eyes gather some secret. Hence
With the silly maids thou tamperest, and anon
The mistress' ear greets her own confidence;
But not on me impose thy mummeries:
None other breast than mine yet holds its trust.
zorayda.
What proof requirest thou, ere faith admit
My proffer'd testimony?
hermione.
Proof!
What thou, weak fool—the crazed and worn-out plaything
Of thy too credulous fancies—cannot give.
Reveal my thoughts!