Cæsa. My soul! my Amelrosa,—Now all planets
Rain plagues upon my perjured head, if e'er
I break the vow, which here I breathe; this heart,
Filled but with thee, and formed but to adore thee,
Is thine, my love, thine now, and thine forever!
Amel. Hark!—steps approach——Estella?
Estel. [who has retired, advances hastily.]
Haste, Cæsario,
You must away! the king's returned, I see
His train now loitering near the garden-gate,
Fly by the private postern.
Cæsa. Straight I'll follow. [Exit Estella.
And must I leave thee, leave thee for so long too?
The king's affairs now call me far from Burgos,
And ere we meet again twelve hours must pass.
Amel. Ah! me, to love, an age.
Cæsa. Yet should I leave thee
With calmer soul, nor feel such pain in absence,
Were I but sure one wish——
Amel. [Eagerly.] Oh! name it, name it,
But ask me nothing light in action: ask me
Something strange, hard, and painful: Something, such
As none would dare to do but one who loves.
Name, name this blessed wish.
Cæsa.'Tis this—From midnight,
Till my return, avoid the royal tower.
Amel. I promise; yet what reason——
Cæsa. When we meet
Thou shalt know all; till then forgive my silence:
Seal with a kiss thy promise, then farewell.
[Here Alfonso advances in silence; his eyes are fixed on his daughter, his hands are folded, and his whole appearance expresses the utmost dejection.]
Amel. Farewell, since it must be farewell——But mark,
See not Ottilia ere you go.
Cæsa. I will not.
Amel. And when the bell's deep tongue announces midnight,
Breathe thou my name, for at that hour, my love,
I'll think on thee.—That hour! Oh, fool! as if
Hours could be found in which I think not on thee.
And must thou go?—Nay, if thou must, away,
Or I shall bid thee stay, and stay forever.
Farewell my husband!
Cæsa. My soul's joy, farewell!
Amel. Oh! pain of parting!
[Turning round, her eye rests on Alfonso. She starts, and remains as petrified with terror. After a pause, he passes her in silence; but, on his reaching the door, she rushes towards him, her hands clasped in supplication.]
Father!
[Alfonso motions to forbid her following, and goes off.]
Amel. Oh! I'm lost! [She falls senseless on the ground.]