We commune now—a friend’s, a monarch’s gift,

Unto the chosen of his heart, Sylveira,

Should yield him still a welcome.

Sylv. Fare thee well!

I may not pause to hear thee, for thy words

Are full of danger, and of snares, perchance

Laid by some treacherous foe. But all in vain.

I mock thy wiles to scorn.

Seb. Ha! ha! The snake

Doth pride himself in his distorted cunning,