Sis. I know it—for another wears the crown
Of Witiza my father; who succeeds
To king Roderigo will succeed to me.
Yet thy cold perfidy still calls me dear,
And o’er my aching temples breathes one gale
Of days departed to return no more.
Jul. Young man, avenge our cause.
Sis. What cause avenge?
Cov. If I was ever dear to you, hear me.
Not vengeance; Heaven will give that signal soon.
O Sisabert, the pangs I have endured
On your long absence—
Sis. Will be now consoled.
Thy father comes to mount my father’s throne;
But though I would not an usurper king,
I prize his valour and defend his crown:
No stranger, and no traitor, rules o’er me,
Or unchastized inveigles humbled Spain.
Covilla, gavest thou no promises?
Nor thou, Don Julian? Seek not to reply—
Too well I know, too justly I despise,
Thy false excuse, thy coward effrontery;
Yes, when thou gavest them across the sea,
An enemy wert thou to Mahomet,
And no appellant to his faith or leagues.
Jul. ’Tis well: a soldier hears, throughout, in silence.
I urge no answer: to those words, I fear,
Thy heart with sharp compunction will reply.
[Sisabert, to Covilla.
Sis. Then I demand of thee, before thou reign,
Answer me, while I fought against the Frank
Who dared to sue thee? blazon’d in the court,
Trailed not thro’ darkness, were our nuptial bands;
No: Egilona join’d our hands herself,
The peers applauded, and the king approved.
Jul. Hast thou yet seen that king since thy return?
Cov. Father! O father!