[Velez is at the altar. Osorio remains near him in a state of stupor.

Osorio (rousing himself). Where am I? 'Twas a lazy chilliness. 120

Velez (takes and conceals the picture in his robe). This way, my son! She must not see this picture.
Go, call the attendants! Life will soon ebb back!

[Velez and Osorio leave the stage.

Albert. Her pulse doth flutter. Maria! my Maria!

Maria (recovering—looks round). I heard a voice—but often in my dreams,
I hear that voice, and wake; and try, and try, 125
To hear it waking—but I never could!
And 'tis so now—even so! Well, he is dead,
Murder'd perhaps! and I am faint, and feel
As if it were no painful thing to die!

Albert (eagerly). Believe it not, sweet maid! believe it not, 130
Beloved woman! 'Twas a low imposture
Framed by a guilty wretch.

Maria. Ha! who art thou?

Albert (exceedingly agitated). My heart bursts over thee!

Maria. Didst thou murder him?
[[556]] And dost thou now repent? Poor troubled man!
I do forgive thee, and may Heaven forgive thee! 135