[Ordonio runs upon Alvar with his sword. Teresa flings herself on Ordonio and arrests his arm.
Stop, madman, stop!
Alvar. Does then this thin disguise impenetrably
Hide Alvar from thee? Toil and painful wounds
And long imprisonment in unwholesome dungeons,
Have marred perhaps all trait and lineament [200]
Of what I was! But chiefly, chiefly, brother,
My anguish for thy guilt!
Ordonio—Brother!
Nay, nay, thou shalt embrace me.
Ordonio (drawing back, and gazing at Alvar). Touch me not!
Touch not pollution, Alvar! I will die.
[He attempts to fall on his sword, Alvar and Teresa prevent him.
Alvar. We will find means to save your honour. Live, [205]
Oh live, Ordonio! for our father's sake!
Spare his grey hairs!
Teresa. And you may yet be happy.
Ordonio. O horror! not a thousand years in heaven
Could recompose this miserable heart,
Or make it capable of one brief joy! [210]
Live! live! Why yes! 'Twere well to live with you:
For is it fit a villain should be proud?
My brother! I will kneel to you, my brother! [Kneeling.
Forgive me, Alvar!——Curse me with forgiveness!
Alvar. Call back thy soul, Ordonio, and look round thee! [215]
Now is the time for greatness! Think that heaven—
Teresa. O mark his eye! he hears not what you say.