SIGISMUND. Ah, Rosaura, 'tis thy honour
That requires this harshness now,
If my pity I would show thee.
Yes, my voice does not respond,
'Tis my honour that respondeth;
True I speak not, for I wish
That my actions should speak for me;
Thee I do not look on, no,
For, alas! it is of moment,
That he must not see thy beauty
Who is pledged to see thy honour.
[Exit followed by the Soldiers.
ROSAURA. What enigmas, O ye skies!
After many a sigh and tear,
Thus in doubt to leave me here
With equivocal replies!
* * * * *
SCENE XI.
CLARIN and ROSAURA.
CLARIN. Madam, is it visiting hour?
ROSAURA. Welcome, Clarin, where have you been?
CLARIN. Only four stout walls between
In an old enchanted tower;
Death was on the cards for me,
But amid the sudden strife
Ere the last trump came, my life
Won the trick and I got free.
I ne'er hoped to sound again.
ROSAURA. Why?
CLARIN. Because alone I know
Who you are: And this being so,
Learn, Clotaldo is . . . . . This strain
Puts me out.