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ACT I.

SCENE I.—DONNA ELVIRA, ELIZA.

ELVIRA. No, the hidden feelings of my heartwere not regulated by choice: whatever thePrince may be, there is nothing in him to makeme prefer his love. Don Silvio shows, as well ashe, all the qualities of a renowned hero. Thesame noble virtues and the same high birthmade me hesitate whom to prefer. If aught butmerit could gain my heart, the conqueror wereyet to be named; but these chains, with whichHeaven keeps our souls enslaved, decide me,and, though I esteem both equally, my love isgiven to Don Garcia.

ELIZA. The love which you feel for him, seemsto have very little influenced your actions, sinceI, myself, madam, could not for a long timediscover which of the two rivals was the fa-voured one.

ELV. Their noble rivalry in love, Eliza, caused asevere struggle in my breast. When I looked onthe one, I felt no pangs, because I followed myown tender inclination; but when I thought Isacrificed the other, I considered I acted veryunjustly; and was of opinion, that Don Silvio'spassion, after all, deserved a happier destiny. Ialso reflected that a daughter of the late King ofLeon owed some obligation to the house ofCastile; that an intimate friendship had longknit together the interests of his father andmine. Thus, the more the one made progress inmy heart, the more I lamented the ill success ofthe other. Full of pity, I listened to his ardentsighs, and received his vows politely; thus in aslight degree I tried to make amends for theopposition his love met with in my heart.

EL. But since you have been informed he pre-viously loved another, your mind ought to beat rest. Before he loved you, Donna Inez hadreceived the homage of his heart. As she is your

most intimate friend, and has told you this se-cret, you are free to bestow your love uponwhom you wish, and cover your refusal to lis-ten to him under the guise of friendship for her.

ELV. It is true, I ought to be pleased with thenews of Don Silvio's faithlessness, because myheart, that was tormented by his love, is now atliberty to reject it; can justly refuse his ad-dresses, and, without scruple, grant its favoursto another. But what delight can my heart feel,if it suffers severely from other pangs; if thecontinual weakness of a jealous prince receivesmy tenderness with disdain, compels me justlyto give way to anger, and thus to break off allintercourse between us?

EL. But as he has never been told that you lovehim, how can he be guilty if he disbelieves inhis happiness? And does not that which couldflatter his rival's expectations warrant him tosuspect your affection?

ELV. No, no; nothing can excuse the strangemadness of his gloomy and unmanly jealousy; Ihave told him but too clearly, by my actions,that he can indeed flatter himself with the hap-piness of being beloved. Even if we do notspeak, there are other interpreters which clearlylay bare our secret feelings. A sigh, a glance, amere blush, silence itself, is enough to show theimpulses of a heart. In love, everything speaks:in a case like this, the smallest glimmer oughtto throw a great light upon such a subject, sincethe honour which sways our sex forbids us everto discover all we feel. I have, I own, endeav-oured so to guide my conduct, that I shouldbehold their merits with an unprejudiced eye.But how vainly do we strive against our incli-nations! How easy is it to perceive the differ-ence between those favours that are bestowedout of mere politeness, and such as spring fromthe heart! The first seem always forced; the lat-ter, alas! are granted without thinking, likethose pure and limpid streams which sponta-

neously flow from their native sources. Thoughthe feelings of pity I showed for Don Silviomoved the Prince, yet I unwittingly betrayedtheir shallowness, whilst my very looks, duringthis torture, always told him more than I de-sired they should.

EL. Though the suspicions of that illustriouslover have no foundation—for you tell me so—they at least prove that he is greatly smitten:some would rejoice at what you complain of.Jealousy may be odious when it proceeds froma love which displeases us; but when we returnthat love, such feelings should delight us. It isthe best way in which a lover can express hispassion; the more jealous he is the more weought to love him. Therefore since in your soula magnanimous Prince….

ELV. Ah! do not bring forward such a strangemaxim. Jealousy is always odious and mon-strous; nothing can soften its injurious attacks;the dearer the object of our love is to us, the

more deeply we feel its offensive attempts. Tosee a passionate Prince, losing every momentthat respect with which love inspires its realvotaries; to see him, when his whole mind is aprey to jealousy, finding fault either with whatI like or dislike, and explaining every look ofmine in favour of a rival!

[Footnote: Molière has expressed the samethoughts differently in TheBores, Act ii. scene 4.]

No, no! such suspicions are too insulting, and Itell you my thoughts without disguise. I loveDon Garcia; he alone can fascinate a generousheart; his courage in Leon has nobly proved hispassion for me; he dared on my account thegreatest dangers, freed me from the toils of co-wardly tyrants, and protected me against thehorrors of an unworthy alliance by placing mewithin these strong walls. Nor will I deny butthat I should have regretted that I owed mydeliverance to any other; for an enamoured

heart feels an extreme pleasure, Eliza, in beingunder some obligations to the object beloved;its faint flame becomes stronger and brighterwhen it thinks it can discharge them by grant-ing some favours. Yes, I am charmed that heassisted me and risked his life for me, for thisseems to give his passion a right of conquest; Irejoice that the danger I was in threw me intohis hands. If common reports be true, andHeaven should grant my brother's return, Iwish fervently, and with all my heart, that hisarm may aid my brother to recover his throne,and punish a traitor; that his heroic valour maybe successful, and thus deserve my brother'sutmost gratitude. But for all this, if he continuesto rouse my anger; if he does not lay aside hisjealousy, and obey me in whatever I command,he in vain aspires to the hand of Donna Elvira.Marriage can never unite us; for I abhor bonds,which, undoubtedly, would then make a hellupon earth for both of us.

EL. Although one may hold different opinions,the Prince, Madam, should conform himself toyour desires; they are so clearly set down inyour note that, when he sees them thus ex-plained, he…

ELV. This letter, Eliza, shall not be employedfor such a purpose. It will be better to tell himwhat I think of his conduct. When we favor alover by writing to him, we leave in his handstoo flagrant proofs of our inclination. Thereforetake care that that letter is not delivered to thePrince.

EL. Your will is law; yet I cannot help wonder-ing that Heaven has made people's minds sounlike, and that what some consider an insultshould be viewed with a different eye by oth-ers. As for me I should think myself very fortu-nate if I had a lover who could be jealous, forhis uneasiness would give me satisfaction. Thatwhich often vexes me is to see Don Alvarezgive himself no concern about me.

ELV. We did not think he was so near us. Herehe comes.

SCENE II.—DONNA ELVIRA, DON AL-VAREZ, ELIZA.

ELV. Your return surprises me. What tidingsdo you bring? Is DonAlphonso coming, and when may we expecthim?

ALV. Yes, Madam; the time has arrived whenyour brother, brought up in Castile, will get hisown again. Hitherto, the cautious Don Louis, towhom the late King, on his death-bed, en-trusted the care of Don Alphonso, has con-cealed his rank from every one, in order to save

him from the fury of the traitor Mauregat.Though the miserable but successful tyrant hasoften inquired after him, under pretence of re-storing him to the throne, yet Don Louis, whois full of prudence, would never trust toMauregat's pretended feelings for justice, withwhich he tried to allure him. But as the peoplebecame enraged at the violence which ausurper would have offered you, generous oldDon Louis thought it time to try what could bedone after twenty years' expectation. He hassounded Leon; his faithful emissaries havesought to influence the minds of great andsmall. Whilst Castile was arming ten thousandmen to restore that Prince so wished for by hispeople, Don Louis caused a report to be noisedabroad that the renowned Don Alphonso wascoming, but that he would not produce himsave at the head of an army, and completelyready to launch the avenging thunderbolts atthe vile usurper's head. Leon is besieged, and

Don Silvio himself commands the auxiliaryforces, with which his father aids you.

ELV. We may flatter ourselves that our expecta-tions will be realized, but I am afraid my brot-her will owe Don Silvio too heavy a debt.

[Footnote: Donna Elvira is afraid that Don Alp-honso will owe Don Silvio a debt so heavy, thathe will only be able to repay it by the gift of herhand.]

ALV. But, Madam, is it not strange that, not-withstanding the storm which the usurper ofyour throne hears growling over his head, allthe advices from Leon agree that he is going tomarry the Countess Inez?

ELV. By allying himself to the high-born mai-den, he hopes to obtain the support of her po-werful family. I am rather uneasy that of late Ihave heard nothing of her. But she has alwaysshown an inveterate dislike to that tyrant.

EL. Feelings of honour and tenderness will cau-se her to refuse the marriage they urge uponher, for…

ALV. The Prince is coming here.

SCENE III.—DON GARCIA, DONNA EL-VIRA, DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA.

GARC. I come, Madam to rejoice with you inthe good tidings you have just heard. Yourbrother, who threatens a tyrant stained withcrimes, allows me to hope that my love mayone day be returned, and offers to my arm anopportunity to acquire glory in fresh dangersfor the sake of your lovely eyes. If Heavenproves propitious I will gain amidst these dan-

gers a victory, which divine justice owes toyou, which will lay treachery at your feet, andrestore to your family its former dignity. Butwhat pleases me still more amidst these cher-ished expectations is that Heaven restores youthis brother to be King; for now my love mayopenly declare itself, without being accused ofseeking to gain a crown whilst striving to ob-tain your hand. Yes, my heart desires nothingmore than to show before the whole world thatin you it values but yourself; if I may say sowithout giving offence, a hundred times have Iwished you were of less rank. Loving you as Ido I could have desired that your divinecharms had fallen to the lot of some one born ina humbler station, that I might unselfishly prof-fer my heart, and thus make amends to you forHeaven's injustice, so that you might owe tomy love the homage due to your birth.

[Footnote: The sentence from "Yes, my heart,"&c., until "your birth" is nearly the same as the

words addressed by Alceste to Celimène in theMisanthrope, Act iv. Sc. 3 (see Vol. II.)]

But since Heaven has forestalled me, and de-prives me of the privilege of proving my love,do not take it amiss that my amorous flameslook for some slight encouragement when Ishall have killed the tyrant, whom I am readyto encounter; suffer me by noble services fa-vourably to dispose the minds of a brother andof a whole nation towards me.

ELV. I know, Prince, that by avenging ourwrongs you can make a hundred deeds of dar-ing speak for your love. But the favour of abrother and the gratitude of a nation are notsufficient to reward you; Elvira is not to be ob-tained by such efforts; there is yet a strongerobstacle to overcome.

GARC. Yes, Madam, I know what you mean. Iknow very well that my heart sighs in vain for

you; neither do I ignore the powerful obstacleagainst my love, though you name it not.

ELV. Often we hear badly when we think wehear well. Too much ardour, Prince, may leadus into mistakes. But since I must speak, I will.Do you wish to know how you can please me,and when you may entertain any hope?

GARC. I should consider this, Madam, a verygreat favour.

ELV. When you know how to love as youought.

GARC. Alas! Madam, does there exist anythingunder the canopy of heaven that yields not tothe passion with which your eyes have inspiredme?

ELV. When your passion displays nothing atwhich the object of your love can feel offended.

GARC. That is its greatest study.

ELV. When you shall cease to harbour meanunworthy sentiments of me.

GARC. I love you to adoration.

ELV. When you have made reparation for yourunjust suspicions, and when you finally banishthat hideous monster which poisons your lovewith its black venom; that jealous and whimsi-cal temper which mars, by its outbreaks, thelove you offer, prevents it from ever being fa-vourably listened to, and arms me, each time,with just indignation against it.

GARC. Alas, Madam, it is true, that, notwith-standing my utmost effort, some trifling jeal-ousy lingers in my heart; that a rival, thoughdistant from your divine charms, disturbs myequanimity. Whether it be whimsical or rea-sonable, I always imagine that you are uneasywhen he is absent, and that in spite of my atten-tions, your sighs are continually sent in searchof that too happy rival. But if such suspicions

displease you, alas, you may easily cure them;their removal, which I hope for, depends moreon you than on me. Yes, with a couple of love-breathing words you can arm my soul againstjealousy, and disperse all the horrors withwhich that monster has enshrouded it, by en-couraging me to entertain some expectation ofa successful issue. Deign therefore to removethe doubt that oppresses me; and, amidst somany trials, let your charming lips grant me theassurance that you love me,—an assurance, ofwhich, I know, I am utterly unworthy.

ELV. Prince, your suspicions completely masteryou. The slightest intimation of a heart shouldbe understood; it does not reciprocate a passionthat continually adjures the object beloved toexplain herself more clearly. The first agitationdisplayed by our soul ought to satisfy a discreetlover; if he wishes to make us declare ourselvesmore plainly, he only gives us a reason forbreaking our promise. If it depended on me

alone, I know not whether I should choose DonSilvio or yourself; the very wish I expressed foryou not to be jealous, would have been a suffi-cient hint to any one but you; I thought thisrequest was worded agreeably enough withoutneeding anything further. Your love, however,is not yet satisfied, and requires a more publicavowal. In order to remove any scruples, I mustdistinctly say that I love you; perhaps even, tomake more sure of it, you will insist that I mustswear it too.

GARC. Well, Madam, I own I am too bold; Iought to be satisfied with everything that plea-ses you. I desire no further information. I be-lieve you feel kindly towards me, that my loveinspires you even with a little compassion; I amhappier than I deserve to be. It is over now; Iabandon my jealous suspicions; the sentencewhich condemns them is very agreeable; I shallobey the decision you so kindly pronounce,and free my heart from their unfounded sway.

ELV. You promise a great deal, Prince, but Ivery much doubt whether you can restrainyourself sufficiently.

GARC. Ah! Madam, you may believe me; it isenough that what is promised to you oughtalways to be kept, because the happiness ofobeying the being one worships ought to ren-der easy the greatest efforts. May Heaven de-clare eternal war against me; may its thunderstrike me dead at your feet; or, what would beeven worse than death, may your wrath bepoured upon me, if ever my love descends tosuch weakness as to fail in the promise I havegiven, if ever any jealous transport of mysoul…!

SCENE IV.—DONNA ELVIRA, DONGARCIA, DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA, A PAGEpresenting a letter to Donna Elvira.

ELV. I was very anxious about this letter, I amvery much obliged to you; let the messengerwait.

SCENE V.—DONNA ELVIRA, DONGARCIA, DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA.

ELV. (Low and aside). I see already by his looksthat this letter disturbs him. What a wonder-

fully jealous temper he has! (Aloud). What stopsyou, Prince, in the midst of your oath.

GARC. I thought you might have some secrettogether; I was unwilling to interrupt you.

ELV. It seems to me that you reply in a muchaltered voice; I see all of a sudden a certainwildness in your looks; this abrupt change sur-prises me. What can be the cause of it? May Iknow?

GARC. A sudden sickness at heart.

ELV. Such illnesses have often more seriousconsequences than one believes; some immedi-ate remedy would be necessary; but, tell me,have you often such attacks?

GARC. Sometimes.

ELV. Alas, weak-minded Prince! Here, let thiswriting cure your distemper; it is nowhere butin the mind.

GARC. That writing, Madam! No, I refuse totake it. I know your thoughts and what youwill accuse me of, if…

ELV. Read it, I tell you, and satisfy yourself.

GARC. That you may afterwards call me weak-minded and jealous? No, no, I will prove thatthis letter gave me no umbrage, and thoughyou kindly allow me to read it, to justify my-self, I will not do so.

ELV. If you persist in your refusal, I should bewrong to compel you; it is sufficient, in short,as I have insisted upon it, to let you see whosehand it is.

GARC. I ought always to be submissive to you;if it is your pleasure I should read it for you, Iwill gladly do so.

ELV. Yes, yes, Prince, here it is; you shall read itfor me.

GARC. I only do so, Madam, in obedience toyour commands, and I may say…

ELV. Whatever you please; but pray make has-te.

GARC. It comes from Donna Inez, I perceive.

ELV. It does, and I am glad of it, both for yoursake and mine.

GARC. (Reads). "In spite of all that I do to show mycontempt for the tyrant, he persists in his love forme; the more effectually to encompass his designs, hehas, since your absence, directed against me all thatviolence with which he pursued the alliance betweenyourself and his son. Those who perhaps have theright to command me, and who are inspired by basemotives of false honour, all approve this unworthyproposal. I do not know yet where my persecutionwill end; but I will die sooner than give my consent.May you, fair Elvira, be happier in your fate than I

am. DONNA INEZ." A lofty virtue fortifies hermind.

ELV. I will go and write an answer to this illus-trious friend. Meanwhile, Prince, learn not togive way so readily to what causes you alarm. Ihave calmed your emotion by enlighteningyou, and the whole affair has passed off qui-etly; but, to tell you the truth, a time may comewhen I might entertain other sentiments.

GARC. What? you believe then…

ELV. I believe what I ought. Farewell, remem-ber what I tell you; if your love for me be reallyso great as you pretend, prove it as I wish.

GARC. Henceforth this will be my only desire;and sooner than fail in it, I will lose my life.

ACT II.

SCENE I.—ELIZA, DON LOPEZ.

EL. To speak my mind freely to you, I am notmuch astonished at anything the Prince maydo; for it is very natural, and I cannot disap-prove of it, that a soul inflamed by a noble pas-sion should become exasperated by jealousy,and that frequent doubts should cross hismind: but what surprises me, Don Lopez, is tohear that you keep alive his suspicions; thatyou are the contriver of them; that he is sadonly because you wish it, jealous only becausehe looks at everything with your eyes. I repeatit, Don Lopez, I do not wonder that a man whois greatly in love becomes suspicious. But, thata man who is not in love should have all theanxieties of one who is jealous—this is a nov-elty that belongs to none but you.

LOP. Let everybody comment on my actions asmuch as they please. Each man regulates hisconduct according to the goal he wishes toreach; since my love was rejected by you, Icourt the favour of the Prince.

EL. But do you not know that no favour will begranted to him if you continue to maintain himin this disposition?

LOP. Pray, charming Eliza, was it ever knownthat those about great men minded anythingbut their own interest, or that a perfect courtierwished to increase the retinue of those samegrandees by adding to it a censor of theirfaults? Did he ever trouble himself if his con-versation harmed them, provided he could butderive some benefit? All the actions of a court-ier only tend to get into their favour, to obtain aplace in as short a time as possible; the quickestway to acquire their good graces is by alwaysflattering their weaknesses, by blindly applaud-ing what they have a mind to do, and by never

countenancing anything that displeases them.That is the true secret of standing well withthem. Good advice causes a man to be lookedupon as a troublesome fellow, so that he nolonger enjoys that confidence which he hadsecured by an artful subservience. In short, wealways see that the art of courtiers aims only attaking advantage of the foibles of the great, atcherishing their errors, and never advisingthem to do things which they dislike.

EL. These maxims may do well enough for atime: but reverses of fortune have to be drea-ded. A gleam of light may at last penetrate theminds of the deceived nobles, who will thenjustly avenge themselves on all such flatterersfor the length of time their glory has beendimmed. Meanwhile I must tell you that youhave been a little too frank in your explana-tions; if a true account of your motives werelaid before the Prince, it would but ill serve youin making your fortune.

LOP. I could deny having told you those truthsI have just unfolded, and that without beinggainsaid; but I know very well that Eliza is toodiscreet to divulge this private conversation.After all, what I have said is known by every-one; what actions of mine have I to conceal? Adownfall may be justly dreaded when we em-ploy artifices or treachery. But what have I tofear? I, who cannot be taxed with anything butcomplaisance, who by my useful lessons do butfollow up the Prince's natural inclination forjealousy. His soul seems to live upon suspi-cions; and so I do my very best to find him op-portunities for his uneasiness, and to look outon all sides if anything has happened that mayfurnish a subject for a secret conversation.When I can go to him, with a piece of news thatmay give a deadly blow to his repose, then heloves me most: I can see him listen eagerly andswallow the poison, and thank me for it too, asif I had brought him news of some victorywhich would make him happy and glorious for

all his life. But my rival draws near, and so Ileave you together; though I have renounced allhope of ever gaining your affection, yet itwould pain me not a little to see you prefer himto me before my face; therefore I will avoidsuch a mortification as much as I can.

[Footnote: Don Lopez bears a distant resem-blance to "honest Iago" in Othello, though Mo-lière has only faintly shadowed forth what Sha-kespeare has worked out in so masterly a man-ner.]

EL. All judicious lovers should do the same.

SCENE II.—DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA.

ALV. At last we have received intelligence thatthe king of Navarre has this very day declaredhimself favourable to the Prince's love, and thata number of fresh troops will reinforce his ar-my, ready to be employed in the service of herto whom his wishes aspire. As for me, I amsurprised at their quick movements… but…

SCENE III.—DON GARCIA, DON AL-VAREZ, ELIZA.

GARC. What is the Princess doing?

EL. I think, my Lord, she is writing some let-ters; but I shall let her know that you are here.

GARC. (In a low voice and aside). How well shedissembles.

ELV. We have just now heard that the King,your father, approves your designs, and con-sents that his son should restore us to our sub-jects. I am extremely rejoiced at this.

GARC. Yes, Madam, and my heart is rejoiced atit too; but….

ELV. The tyrant will doubtless find it difficultto defend himself against the thunderboltswhich from all sides threaten him. I flatter my-self that the same courage which was able todeliver me from the brutal rage of the usurper,to snatch me out of his hands, and place mesafe within the walls of Astorga, will conquerthe whole of Leon, and by its noble efforts cau-se the head of the tyrant to fall.

GARC. A few days more will show if I am suc-cessful. But pray let us proceed to some othersubject of conversation. If you do not considerme too bold, will you kindly tell me, Madam, towhom you have written since fate led us hit-her?

ELV. Why this question, and whence this anxi-ety?

GARC. Out of pure curiosity, Madam, that isall.

ELV. Curiosity is the daughter of jealousy.

GARC. No; it is not at all what you imagine;your commands have sufficiently cured thatdisease.

ELV. Without endeavouring further to discoverwhat may be the reasons for your inquiry, Ihave written twice to the Countess Inez atLeon, and as often to the Marquis, Don Louis,

at Burgos. Does this answer put your mind atrest?

GARC. Have you written to no one else, Ma-dam?

ELV. No, certainly, and your questions astonishme.

GARC. Pray consider well, before you makesuch a statement, because people forget some-times, and thus perjure themselves.

ELV. I cannot perjure myself in what I havestated.

GARC. You have, however, told a very greatfalsehood.

ELV. Prince!

GARC. Madam!

ELV. Heavens; what is the meaning of this!Speak! Have you lost your senses?

GARC. Yes, yes, I lost them, when to my mis-fortune I beheld you, and thus took the poisonwhich kills me; when I thought to meet withsome sincerity in those treacherous charms thatbewitched me.

ELV. What treachery have you to complain of?

GARC. Oh! how double-faced she is! how wellshe knows to dissimulate! But all means forescape will fail you. Cast your eyes here, andrecognize your writing.

[Footnote: The lines, "Heavens! what is themeaning of this?" till "and recognize your writ-ing" have been employed again by Molière inthe Misanthrope, Act iv., Scene 3, (see vol. II).The misanthrope Alceste has also in his handthe written proofs of the faithlessness of theobject of his love: but his suspicions are well

founded, whilst those of Don Garcia are in-spired only by jealousy.]

Without having seen the other part of this let-ter, it is easy enough to discover for whom youemploy this style.

ELV. And this is the cause of your perturbationof spirits?

GARC. Do you not blush on beholding thiswriting?

ELV. Innocence is not accustomed to blush.

GARC. Here indeed we see it oppressed. Youdisown this letter because it is not signed.

ELV. Why should I disown it, since I wrote it?

[Footnote: The words, "And this is the cause"until "since I wrote it," are, with a few slightalterations, found also in the Misanthrope, Activ., Scene 3.]

GARC. It is something that you are frankenough to own your handwriting; but I willwarrant that it was a note written to some in-different person, or at least that the tender sen-timents it contains were intended only for somelady friend or relative.

ELV. No, I wrote it to a lover, and, what is mo-re, to one greatly beloved.

GARC. And can I, O perfidious woman…?

ELV. Bridle, unworthy Prince, the excess ofyour base fury. Although you do not sway myheart, and I am accountable here to none butmyself, yet for your sole punishment I willclear myself from the crime of which you soinsolently accuse me. You shall be undeceived;do not doubt it. I have my defence at hand. Youshall be fully enlightened; my innocence shallappear complete. You yourself shall be the jud-ge in your own cause, and pronounce yourown sentence.

GARC. I cannot understand such mysterioustalk.

ELV. You shall soon comprehend it to yourcost. Eliza come hither!

SCENE VI.—DON GARCIA, DONNA EL-VIRA, ELIZA.

EL. Madam.

ELV. (to Don Garcia). At least observe wellwhether I make use of any artifice to deceiveyou; whether by a single glance or by any war-ning gesture I seek to ward off this suddenblow. (To Eliza). Answer me quickly, where didyou leave the letter I wrote just now?

EL. Madam, I confess I am to blame. This letterwas by accident left on my table; but I have justbeen informed that Don Lopez, coming into myapartment, took, as he usually does, the libertyto pry everywhere, and found it. As he wasunfolding it, Leonora wished to snatch it fromhim before he had read anything; and whilstshe tried to do this, the letter in dispute wastorn in two pieces, with one of which Don Lo-pez quickly went away, in spite of all she coulddo.

ELV. Have you the other half?

EL. Yes; here it is.

ELV. Give it to me. (To Don Garcia). We shallsee who is to blame; join the two parts together,and then read it aloud. I wish to hear it.

GARC. "To Don Garcia." Ha!

ELV. Go on! Are you thunderstruck at the firstword?

GARC. (Reads). "Though your rival, Prince, dis-turbs your mind, you ought still to fear yourselfmore than him. It is in your power to destroy nowthe greatest obstacle your passion has to encounter. Ifeel very grateful to Don Garcia for rescuing mefrom the hands of my bold ravishers; his love, hishomage delights me much; but his jealousy is odiousto me. Remove, therefore, from your love that foulblemish; deserve the regards that are bestowed uponit; and when one endeavours to make you happy, donot persist in remaining miserable."

ELV. Well, what do you say to this?

GARC. Ah! Madam, I say that on reading this Iam quite confounded; that I see the extremeinjustice of my complaints, and that no pun-ishment can be severe enough for me.

ELV. Enough! Know that if I desired that youshould read the letter, it was only to contradicteverything I stated in it; to unsay a hundredtimes all that you read there in your favour.Farewell, Prince.

GARC. Alas, Madam! whither do you fly?

ELV. To a spot where you shall not be, over-jealous man.

GARC. Ah, Madam, excuse a lover who iswretched because, by a wonderful turn of fate,he has become guilty towards you, and who,though you are now very wroth with him,would have deserved greater blame if he hadremained innocent. For, in short, can a heart betruly enamoured which does not dread as wellas hope? And could you believe I loved you ifthis ominous letter had not alarmed me; if I hadnot trembled at the thunderbolt which I imag-ined had destroyed all my happiness? I leave itto yourself to judge if such an accident would

not have caused any other lover to commit thesame error; if I could disbelieve, alas, a proofwhich seemed to me so clear!

ELV. Yes, you might have done so; my feelingsso clearly expressed ought to have preventedyour suspicions. You had nothing to fear; ifsome others had had such a pledge they wouldhave laughed to scorn the testimony of thewhole world.

GARC. The less we deserve a happiness whichhas been promised us, the greater is the diffi-culty we feel in believing in it. A destiny toofull of glory seems unstable, and renders ussuspicious. As for me, who think myself so lit-tle deserving of your favours, I doubted thesuccess of my rashness.

[Footnote: Molière has with a few alterationsplaced this phrase beginning with "the less,"and ending with "my rashness," in the mouth of

Tartuffe in the play of the same name, Act iv.,Sc. 5, (see Vol. II).]

I thought that, finding yourself in a place undermy command, you forced yourself to be some-what kind to me; that, disguising to me yourseverity…

ELV. Do you think that I could stoop to so co-wardly an action? Am I capable of feigning sodisgracefully; of acting from motives of servilefear; of betraying my sentiments; and, because Iam in your power, of concealing my contemptfor you under a pretence of kindness? Couldany consideration for my own reputation solittle influence me? Can you think so, and dareto tell it me? Know that this heart cannot de-base itself; that nothing under Heaven cancompel it to act thus: if it has committed thegreat error of showing you some kindness, ofwhich you were not worthy, know that in spiteof your power, it will be able now to show thehatred it feels for you, to defy your rage, and

convince you that it is not mean, nor ever willbe so.

[Footnote: This scene beginning from "Well,"until the end, has, with several alterations ren-dered necessary by change of metre, been trea-ted by Molière in his Amphitryon, Act ii., Sc. 6,(see Vol. II.).]

GARC. Well, I cannot deny that I am guilty: butI beg pardon of your heavenly charms, I beg itfor the sake of the most ardent love that twobeautiful eyes ever kindled in a human soul.But if your wrath cannot be appeased; if mycrime be beyond forgiveness; if you have noregard for the love that caused it, nor for myheart-felt repentance, then one propitious blowshall end my life, and free me from these un-bearable torments. No, think not that havingdispleased you, I can live for one moment un-der your wrath. Even whilst we are speaking,my heart sinks under gnawing remorse; were athousand vultures cruelly to wound it, they

could not inflict greater pangs. Tell me, ma-dam, if I may hope for pardon; if not, then thissword shall instantly, in your sight, by a well-directed thrust, pierce the heart of a miserablewretch; that heart, that irresolute heart, whoseweakness has so deeply offended your exces-sive kindness, too happy if in death this justdoom efface from your memory all remem-brance of its crime, and cause you to think ofmy affection without dislike. This is the onlyfavour my love begs of you.

ELV. Oh! too cruel Prince!

GARC. Speak, Madam.

ELV. Must I still preserve some kind feelingsfor you, and suffer myself to be affronted by somany indignities?

GARC. A heart that is in love can never offend,and finds excuses for whatever love may do.

ELV. Love is no excuse for such outbursts.

GARC. Love communicates its ardour to allemotions, and the stronger it is, the more diffi-culty it finds…

ELV. No, speak to me no more of it; you de-serve my hatred.

GARC. You hate me then?

ELV. I will at least endeavour to do so. But alas!I am afraid it will be in vain, and that all thewrath which your insults have kindled, will notcarry my revenge so far.

GARC. Do not endeavour to punish me so se-verely, since I offer to kill myself to avenge you;pronounce but the sentence and I obey imme-diately.

ELV. One who cannot hate cannot wish any-body to die.

GARC. I cannot live unless you kindly pardonmy rash errors; resolve either to punish or toforgive.

ELV. Alas! I have shown too clearly my resolu-tion; do we not pardon a criminal when we tellhim we cannot hate him?

GARC. Ah! this is too much. Suffer me, ador-able Princess…

ELV. Forbear, I am angry with myself for myweakness.

GARC. (Alone). At length I am…

SCENE VII.—DON GARCIA, DON LO-PEZ.

LOP. My Lord, I have to communicate to you asecret that may justly alarm your love.

GARC. Do not talk to me of secrets or alarms,whilst I am in such a blissful rapture. Afterwhat has just taken place, I ought not to listento any suspicions. The unequalled kindness of adivine object ought to shut my ears against allsuch idle reports. Do not say anything more.

LOP. My Lord, I shall do as you wish; my onlycare in this business was for you. I thought thatthe secret I just discovered ought to be commu-nicated with all diligence; but since it is yourpleasure I should not mention it, I shall changethe conversation, and inform you that everyfamily in Leon threw off the mask, as soon as

the report spread that the troops of Castile wereapproaching; the lower classes especially showopenly such an affection for their true King,that the tyrant trembles for fear.

GARC. Castile, however, shall not gain the vic-tory without our making an attempt to share inthe glory; our troops may also be able to terrifyMauregat. But what secret would you commu-nicate to me? Let us hear it?

LOP. My Lord, I have nothing to say.

[Footnote: Compare Iago's reticence in Shake-speare's Othello (iii. 3).]

GARC. Come, come, speak, I give you leave.

LOP. My Lord, your words have told me dif-ferently; and since my news may displease you,I shall know for the future how to remain si-lent.

GARC. Without further reply, I wish to knowyour secret.

LOP. Your commands must be obeyed; but, myLord, duty forbids me to explain such a secretin this place. Let us go hence, and I shall com-municate it to you; without taking anythinglightly for granted, you yourself shall judgewhat you ought to think of it.

ACT III.

SCENE I.—DONNA ELVIRA, ELIZA.

ELV. What say you, Eliza, to this unaccountableweakness in the heart of a Princess? What doyou say when you see me so quickly forego my

desire for revenge, and, in spite of so muchpublicity, weakly and shamefully pardon socruel an outrage.

EL. I say, Madam, that an insult from a man welove is doubtless very difficult to bear; but ifthere be none which makes us sooner angry, sothere is none which we sooner pardon. If theman we love is guilty, and throws himself atour feet, he triumphs over the rash outbreak ofthe greatest anger; so much the more easily,Madam, if the offence comes from an excess oflove. However great your displeasure mayhave been, I am not astonished to see it ap-peased; I know the power which, in spite ofyour threats, will always pardon such crimes.

ELV. But know, Eliza, however great the powerof my love may be, I have blushed for the lasttime; if henceforth the Prince gives me freshcause for anger, he must no longer look for par-don. I swear, that in such a case, I will nevermore foster tender feelings for him: for in short,

a mind with ever so little pride is greatly as-hamed to go back from its word, and oftenstruggles gallantly against its own inclinations;it becomes stubborn for honour's sake, and sac-rifices everything to the noble pride of keepingits word. Though I have pardoned him now, donot consider this a precedent for the future.Whatever fortune has in store for me, I cannotthink of giving my hand to the Prince of Na-varre, until he has shown that he is completelycured of those gloomy fits which unsettle hisreason, and has convinced me, who am thegreatest sufferer by this disease, that he willnever insult me again by a relapse.

EL. But how can the jealousy of a lover be aninsult to us?

ELV. Is there one more deserving of our wrath?And since it is with the utmost difficulty wecan resolve to confess our love; since the stricthonour of our sex at all times strongly opposessuch a confession, ought a lover to doubt our

avowal, and should he not be punished? Is henot greatly to blame in disbelieving that whichis never said but after a severe struggle withone's self?

[Footnote: The words "since it is" until "one'sself" have been used by Molière with someslight alteration in the Misanthrope, Act iv., Sce-ne 3, (see vol. II.)]

EL. As for me, I think that a little mistrust onsuch an occasion should not offend us; and thatit is dangerous, Madam, for a lover to be abso-lutely persuaded that he is beloved. If…

ELV. Let us argue no more. Every personthinks differently. I am offended by such suspi-cions; and, in spite of myself, I am conscious ofsomething which forebodes an open quarrelbetween the Prince and me, and which, not-withstanding his great qualities…. But Heav-ens! Don Silvio of Castile in this place!

SCENE II.—DONNA ELVIRA, DONALPHONSO, under the name of Don Silvio,ELIZA.

ELV. Ah! my Lord, what chance has broughtyou here?

ALPH. I know, Madam, that my arrival mustsurprise you. To enter quietly this town, towhich the access has become difficult throughthe orders of a rival, and to have avoided beingseen by the soldiers, is an event you did notlook for. But if, in coming here, I have sur-mounted some obstacles, the desire of seeingyou is able to effect much greater miracles. Myheart has felt but too severely the blows of mer-ciless fate which kept me away from you; toallay the pangs which nearly kill me, I couldnot refuse myself some moments to behold insecret your inestimable person. I come, there-

fore, to tell you that I return thanks to Heaven,that you are rescued from the hands of an odi-ous tyrant. But, in the midst of that happiness, Ifeel that I shall always be tortured with thethought that envious fate deprived me of thehonour of performing such a noble deed, andhas unjustly given to my rival the chance ofventuring his life pleasantly to render you sogreat a service. Yes, Madam, my readiness tofree you from your chains was undoubtedlyequal to his; I should have gained the victoryfor you, if Heaven had not robbed me of thathonour.

ELV. I know, my Lord, that you possess a heartcapable of overcoming the greatest dangers; Idoubt not but this generous zeal which incitedyou to espouse my quarrel, would have en-abled you, as well as any one else, to overcomeall base attempts; but even if you have not per-formed this noble deed—and you could havedone it—I am already under sufficient obliga-

tions to the house of Castile. It is well knownwhat a warm and faithful friend the Count,your father, was of the late King, and what hedid for him. After having assisted him until hedied, he gave my brother a shelter in his states;full twenty years he concealed him, in spite ofthe cowardly efforts to discover him, employedby barbarous and enraged enemies; and now torestore to his brow a crown, in all its splendour,you are marching in person against our usurp-ers. Are you not satisfied, and do not thesegenerous endeavours place me under strongobligations to you? Would you, my Lord, ob-stinately persist in swaying my whole fate?Must I never receive even the slightest kindnessunless from you? Ah! amidst these misfortunes,which seem to be my fate, suffer me to owe alsosomething to another, and do not complain thatanother arm acquired some glory, when youwere absent.

ALPH. Yes, Madam, I ought to cease complain-ing; you are quite right when you tell me so; weunjustly complain of one misfortune, when amuch greater threatens to afflict us. This suc-cour from a rival is a cruel mortification to me:but, alas! this is not the greatest of my misfor-tunes; the blow, the severe blow which crushesme, is to see that rival preferred to me. Yes, Ibut too plainly perceive that his greater reputa-tion was the reason that his love was preferredto mine; that opportunity of serving you, theadvantage he possessed of signalizing his pro-wess, that brilliant exploit which he performedin saving you, was nothing but the mere effectof being happy enough to please you, the secretpower of a wonderful astral influence whichcauses the object you love to become famed.Thus all my efforts will be in vain. I am leadingan army against your haughty tyrants; but Ifulfil this noble duty trembling, because I amsure that your wishes will not be for me, andthat, if they are granted, fortune has in store the

most glorious success for my happy rival. Ah!Madam, must I see myself hurled from thatsummit of glory I expected; and may I notknow what crimes they accuse me of, and whyI have deserved that dreadful downfall?

ELV. Before you ask me anything, considerwhat you ought to ask of my feelings. As forthis coldness of mine, which seems to abashyou, I leave it to you, my Lord, to answer forme; for, in short, you cannot be ignorant thatsome of your secrets have been told to me. Ibelieve your mind to be too noble and too gen-erous to desire me to do what is wrong. Sayyourself if it would be just to make me rewardfaithlessness; whether you can, without thegreatest injustice, offer me a heart already ten-dered to another; whether you are justified incomplaining, and in blaming a refusal whichwould prevent you from staining your virtueswith a crime? Yes, my Lord, it is a crime, forfirst love has so sacred a hold on a lofty mind,

that it would rather lose greatness and abandonlife itself, than incline to a second love.

[Footnote: The words "Yes my Lord" until "sec-ond love" are also, with some alterations, foundin The Blue Stockings, Act iv. Scene 2, (see Vol.III).]

I have that regard for you which is caused byan appreciation of your lofty courage, yourmagnanimous heart; but do not require of memore than I owe you, and maintain the honourof your first choice. In spite of your new love,consider what tender feelings the amiable Inezstill retains for you; that she has constantly re-fused to be made happy for the sake of an un-grateful man; for such you are, my Lord! In hergreat love for you, how generously has shescorned the splendour of a diadem! Considerwhat attempts she has withstood for your sake,and restore to her heart what you owe it.

ALPH. Ah, Madam, do not present her merit tomy eyes! Though I am an ungrateful man andabandon her, she is never out of my mind; ifmy heart could tell you what it feels for her, Ifear it would be guilty towards you. Yes, thatheart dares to pity Inez, and does not, withoutsome hesitation follow the violent love whichleads it on. I never flattered myself that youwould reward my love without at the sametime breathing some sighs for her; in the midstof these pleasant thoughts my memory stillcasts some sad looks towards my first love,reproaches itself with the effect of your divinecharms, and mingles some remorse with what Iwish most fervently. And since I must tell youall, I have done more than this. I have endeav-oured to free myself from your sway, to breakyour chains, and to place my heart again underthe innocent yoke of its first conqueror. But,after all my endeavours, my fidelity gives way,and I see only one remedy for the disease thatkills me. Were I even to be forever wretched, I

cannot forswear my love, or bear the terribleidea of seeing you in the arms of another; thatsame light, which permits me to behold yourcharms, will shine on my corpse, before thismarriage takes place. I know that I betray anamiable Princess; but after all, Madam, is myheart guilty? Does the powerful influencewhich your beauty possesses leave the mindany liberty? Alas! I am much more to be pitiedthan she; for, by losing me, she loses only afaithless man. Such a sorrow can easily be soot-hed; but I, through an unparalleled misfortune,abandon an amiable lady, whilst I endure allthe torments of a rejected love.

ELV. You have no torments but what you your-self create, for our heart is always in our ownpower. It may indeed sometimes show a littleweakness; but, after all, reason sways our pas-sions…

SCENE III.—DON GARCIA, DONNA EL-VIRA, DON ALPHONSO, under the name ofDon Silvio.

GARC. I perceive. Madam, that my coming issomewhat unseasonable, and disturbs yourconversation. I must needs say I did not expectto find such good company here.

ELV. Don Silvio's appearance indeed surprisedme very much; I no more expected him thanyou did.

GARC. Madam, since you say so, I do not be-lieve you were forewarned of this visit; (to DonSilvio) but you, sir, ought at least to have hon-oured us with some notice of this rare happi-ness, so that we should not have been sur-prised, but enabled to pay you here those atten-

tions which we would have liked to renderyou.

ALPH. My Lord, you are so busy with warlikepreparations, that I should have been wronghad I interrupted you. The sublime thoughts ofmighty conquerors can hardly stoop to the or-dinary civilities of the world.

GARC. But those mighty conquerors, whosewarlike preparations are thus praised, far fromloving secrecy, prefer to have witnesses of whatthey do; their minds trained to glorious deedsfrom infancy, make them carry out all theirplans openly; being always supported by loftysentiments, they never stoop to disguise them-selves. Do you not compromise your heroicmerits in coming here secretly, and are you notafraid that people may look upon this action asunworthy of you?

ALPH. I know not whether any one will blamemy conduct because I have made a visit here in

secret; but I know, Prince, that I never courtedobscurity in things which require light. Were Ito undertake anything against you, you shouldhave no cause to remark you were surprised. Itwould depend upon yourself to guard againstit; I would take care to warn you beforehand.Meanwhile let us continue upon ordinaryterms, and postpone the settlement of our quar-rels until all other affairs are arranged. Let ussuppress the outbursts of our rather excitedpassions, and not forget in whose presence weare both speaking.

ELV. (To Don Garcia). Prince, you are in thewrong; and his visit is such that you…

GARC. Ah! Madam, it is too much to espousehis quarrel You ought to dissemble a little bet-ter when you pretend that you were ignoranthe was coming here. You defend him so warm-ly and so quickly, that it is no very convincingproof of his visit being unexpected.

ELV. Your suspicions concern me so little, that Ishould be very sorry to deny your accusation.

GARC. Why do you not go farther in your loftypride, and, without hesitation, lay bare yourwhole heart? You are too prone to dissimula-tion. Do not unsay anything you once said. Bebrief, be brief, lay aside all scruples; say that hispassion has kindled yours, that his presencedelights you so much…

ELV. And if I have a mind to love him, can youhinder me? Do you pretend to sway my heart,and have I to receive your commands whom Imust love? Know that too much pride has de-ceived you, if you think you have any authorityover me; my mind soars too high to conceal myfeelings when I am asked to declare them. I willnot tell you whether the Count is beloved; but Imay inform you that I esteem him highly; hisgreat merits, which I admire, deserve the loveof a Princess better than you; his passion, theassiduity he displays, impress me very stron-

gly; and if the stern decree of fate puts it out ofmy power to reward him with my hand, I canat least promise him never to become a prey toyour love. Without keeping you any longer inslight suspense, I engage myself to act thus,and I will keep my word. I have opened myheart to you, as you desired it, and shown youmy real feelings. Are you satisfied, and do younot think that, as you pressed me, I have suffi-ciently explained myself? Consider whetherthere remains anything else for me to do in or-der to clear up your suspicions. (To Don Silvio).In the meanwhile, if you persist in your resolu-tion to please me, do not forget, Count, that Ihave need of your arm, and that whatever maybe the outbreaks of temper of an eccentric man,you must do your utmost to punish our tyrants.In a word, do not listen to what he may say toyou in his wrath, and in order to induce you soto act, remember that I have entreated you.

SCENE IV.—DON GARCIA, DON AL-PHONSO.

GARC. Everything smiles upon you, and youproudly triumph over my confusion. It is plea-sant to hear the glorious confession of that vic-tory which you obtain over a rival; but it mustgreatly add to your joy to have that rival a wit-ness to it. My pretensions, openly set aside,enhance all the more the triumph of your love.Enjoy this great happiness fully, but know thatyou have not yet gained your point; I have toojust cause to be incensed, and many things mayperhaps ere then come to pass. Despair, when itbreaks out, goes a great way; everything is par-donable when one has been deceived. If theungrateful woman, out of compliment to yourlove, has just now pledged her word never tobe mine, my righteous indignation will dis-

cover the means of preventing her ever beingyours.

ALPH. I do not trouble myself about your an-tagonism. We shall see who will be deceived inhis expectations. Each by his valour will be ableto defend the reputation of his love, or avengehis misfortune. But as between rivals the calm-est mind may easily become irate, and as I amunwilling that such a conversation should ex-asperate either of us, I wish, Prince, you wouldput me in the way of leaving this place, so thatthe restraint I put upon myself may be ended.

GARC. No, no, do not fear that you will becompelled to violate the order you received.Whatever righteous wrath is kindled withinme, and which no doubt delights you, Count, Iknow when it should break forth. This place isopen to you; you can leave it, proud of the ad-vantages you have gained. But once more I tellyou that my head alone can put your conquestinto your hands.

ALPH. When matters shall have reached thatpoint, fortune and our arms will soon end ourquarrel.

ACT IV.

SCENE I.—DONNA ELVIRA, DON ALVA-REZ.

ELV. You can go back, Don Alvarez, but do notexpect that you shall persuade me to forget thisoffence. The wound which my heart received isincurable; all endeavours to heal it make it butfester the more. Does the Prince think I shalllisten to some simulated compliments? No, no,he has made me too angry; and his fruitless

repentance, which led you hither, solicits apardon which I will not grant.

ALV. Madam, he deserves your pity. Neverwas any offence expiated with more stingingremorse; if you were to see his grief, it wouldtouch your heart, and you would pardon him.It is well known that the Prince is of an age atwhich we abandon ourselves to first impres-sions; that in fiery youth the passions hardlyleave room for reflection. Don Lopez, deceivedby false tidings, was the cause of his master'smistake. An idle report that the Count was co-ming, and that you had some understandingwith those who admitted him within thesewalls, was indiscreetly bruited about. The Prin-ce believed it; his love, deceived by a falsealarm, has caused all this disturbance. But be-ing now conscious of his error, he is well awareof your innocence; the dismissal of Don Lopezclearly proves how great his remorse is for theoutburst of which he has been guilty.

ELV. Alas! He too readily believes me innocent;he is not yet quite sure of it. Tell him to weighall things well, and not to make too much haste,for fear of being deceived.

ALV. Madam, he knows too well….

ELV. I pray you, Don Alvarez, let us no longercontinue a conversation which vexes me: it re-vives in me some sadness, at the very momentthat a more important sorrow oppresses me.Yes, I have received unexpectedly the news of avery great misfortune; the report of the death ofthe Countess Inez has filled my heart with somuch wretchedness, that there is no room forany other grief.

ALV. Madam, these tidings may not be true;but when I return, I shall have to communicateto the Prince a cruel piece of news.

ELV. However great his sufferings may be,they fall short of what he deserves.

SCENE II.—DONNA ELVIRA, ELIZA.

EL. I waited, Madam until he was gone, to tellyou something that will free you from youranxiety, since this very moment you can beinformed what has become of Donna Inez. Acertain person, whom I do not know, has sentone of his servants to ask an audience of you, inorder to tell you all.

ELV. Eliza, I must see him; let him come quic-kly.

EL. He does not wish to be seen except byyourself; by this messenger he requests, Ma-dam that his visit may take place without anyone being present.

ELV. Well, we shall be alone, I will give ordersabout that, whilst you bring him here. How

great is my impatience just now! Ye fates, shallthese tidings be full of joy or grief?

SCENE III.—DON PEDRO, ELIZA.

EL. Where….

PED. If you are looking for me, Madam, here Iam.

EL. Where is your master….

PED. He is hard by; shall I fetch him?

EL. Desire him to come; tell him that he is im-patiently expected, and that no one shall seehim. (Alone). I cannot unravel this mystery; all

the precautions he takes … But here he is al-ready.

SCENE IV.—DONNA INEZ, in man'sdress, ELIZA.

EL. My Lord, in order to wait for you, we haveprepared…. But what doI see? Ah! Madam, my eyes….

INEZ. Do not tell any one, Eliza, I am here; al-low me to pass my sad days in peace. I pre-tended to kill myself. By this feigned death Igot rid of all my tyrants; for this is the name myrelatives deserve. Thus I have avoided a dread-ful marriage; rather than have consented, Iwould really have killed myself. This dress,

and the report of my death, will keep the secretof my fate from all, and secure me against thatunjust persecution which may even follow mehither.

EL. My surprise might have betrayed you, if Ihad seen you in public; but go into this roomand put an end to the sorrow of the Princess;her heart will be filled with joy when she shallbehold you. You will find her there alone; shehas taken care to see you by herself, and with-out any witnesses.

SCENE V.—DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA.

EL. Is this not Don Alvarez whom I see?

ALV. The Prince sends me to entreat you to useyour utmost influence in his favour. His life isdespaired of, unless he obtains by your means,fair Eliza, one moment's conversation withDonna Elvira; he is beside himself … but herehe is.

SCENE VI.—DON GARCIA, DON AL-VAREZ, ELIZA.

GARC. Alas. Eliza, feel for my great misfor-tune; take pity on a heart full of wretchedness,and given up to the bitterest sorrow.

EL. I should look upon your torments, myLord, with other eyes than the Princess does;Heaven or our mood is the reason why we jud-

ge differently about everything. But, as sheblames you, and fancies your jealousy to be afrightful monster, if I were in your place Ishould obey her wishes, and endeavour to con-ceal from her eyes what offends them. A loverundoubtedly acts wisely when he tries to suithis temper to ours; a hundred acts of politenesshave less influence than this unison, which ma-kes two hearts appear as if stirred by the samefeelings. This similarity firmly unites them; forwe love nothing so much as what resemblesourselves.

GARC. I know it, but alas! merciless fate op-poses such a well intentioned plan; in spite ofall my endeavours, it continually lays a snarefor me, which my heart cannot avoid. It is notbecause the ungrateful woman, in the presenceof my rival, avowed her love for him, and notfor me; and that with such an excess of tender-ness, that it is impossible I can ever forget hercruelty. But as too much ardour led me to be-

lieve erroneously that she had introduced himinto this place, I should be very much annoyedif I left upon her mind the impression that shehas any just cause of complaint against me. Yes,if I am abandoned, it shall be only through herfaithlessness; for as I have come to beg her par-don for my impetuosity, she shall have no ex-cuse for ingratitude.

EL. Give a little time for her resentment to cool,and do not see her again so soon, my Lord.

GARC. Ah! if you love me, induce her to seeme; she must grant me that permission; I do notleave this spot until her cruel disdain at least….

EL. Pray, my Lord, defer this purpose.

GARC. No; make no more idle excuses.

EL. (Aside). The Princess herself must findmeans to send him away, if she says but one

word to him. (To Don Garcia). Stay here, myLord, I shall go and speak to her.

GARC. Tell her that I instantly dismissed theperson whose information was the cause of myoffence, that Don Lopez shall never…

SCENE VII.—DON GARCIA, DON AL-VAREZ.

GARC. (Looking in at the door which Eliza left halfopen). What do I see, righteous Heavens! Can Ibelieve my eyes? Alas! they are, doubtless, buttoo faithful witnesses; this is the most terrible ofall my great troubles! This fatal blow com-pletely overwhelms me! When suspicionsraged within me, it was Heaven itself, vaguely

but ominously foretelling me this horrible dis-grace.

ALV. What have you seen, my Lord, to disturbyou?

GARC. I have seen what I can hardly conceive;the overthrow of all creation would less aston-ish me than this accident. It is all over with me… Fate … I cannot speak.

[Footnote: The words from "What have youseen" till "I cannot speak," are with some slightalterations, found in the Misanthrope, Act iv.,Scene 2 (see Vol. II).]

ALV. My Lord, endeavour to be composed.

GARC. I have seen… Vengeance! O Heaven!

ALV. What sudden alarm…?

GARC. It will kill me, Don Alvarez, it is but toocertain.

ALV. But, my Lord, what can…

GARC. Alas! Everything is undone. I am be-trayed, I am murdered!

[Footnote: The last sentences of Don Alvarezand Don Garcia are also found in the Misan-thrope, Act iv., Scene 2 (see Vol. II).]

A man, (can I say it and still live) a man in thearms of the faithlessElvira!

ALV. The Princess, my Lord, is so virtuous…

GARC. Ah, Don Alvarez, do not gainsay what Ihave seen. It is too much to defend her reputa-tion, after my eyes have beheld so heinous anaction.

ALV. Our passions, my Lord, often cause us tomistake a deception for a reality; to believe thata mind nourished by virtue can….

GARC. Prithee leave me, Don Alvarez, a coun-sellor is in the way upon such an occasion; Iwill take counsel only of my wrath.

ALV. (Aside). It is better not to answer himwhen his mind is so upset.

GARC. Oh! how deeply am I wounded! But Ishall see who it is, and punish with my ownhand…. But here she comes. Restrain thyself, Orage!

SCENE VIII.—DONNA ELVIRA, DONGARCIA, DON ALVAREZ.

ELV. Well, what do you want? However boldyou may be, how can you hope for pardon,

after the way you have behaved? Dare youagain present yourself before me? And whatcan you say that will become me to hear?

GARC. That all the wickedness of this world isnot to be compared to your perfidy; that neitherfate, hell, nor Heaven in its wrath ever pro-duced anything so wicked as you are.

[Footnote: The above words of Don Garcia arealso in the Misanthrope,Act iv., Scene 3 (see Vol. II).]

ELV. How is this? I expected you would excuseyour outrage; but I find you use other words.

GARC. Yes, yes, other words. You did notthink that, the door being by accident left halfopen, I should discover the caitiff in your arms,and thus behold your shame, and my doom. Isit the happy lover who has returned, or someother rival to me unknown? O Heaven! grantme sufficient strength to bear such tortures.

Now, blush, you have cause to do so; yourtreachery is laid bare. This is what the agita-tions of my mind prognosticated; it was notwithout cause that my love took alarm; my con-tinual suspicions were hateful to you, but I wastrying to discover the misfortune my eyes havebeheld; in spite of all your care, and your skillin dissembling, my star foretold me what I hadto fear. But do not imagine that I will bear un-avenged the slight of being insulted! I knowthat we have no command over our inclina-tions; that love will everywhere spring upspontaneously; that there is no entering a heartby force, and that every soul is free to name itsconqueror; therefore I should have no reason tocomplain, if you had spoken to me withoutdissembling; you would then have sounded thedeath-knell of my hope; but my heart couldhave blamed fortune alone. But to see my loveencouraged by a deceitful avowal on your part,is so treacherous and perfidious an action, thatit cannot meet with too great a punishment; I

can allow my resentment to do anything. No,no, after such an outrage, hope for nothing. Iam no longer myself, I am mad with rage.

[Footnote: The whole of this speech, from "Nowblush," until "mad with rage," has, with fewalterations, been used in the Misanthrope. Activ., Scene 3 (see Vol. II).]

Betrayed on all sides, placed in so sad a situa-tion, my love must avenge itself to the utmost; Ishall sacrifice everything here to my frenzy,and end my despair with my life.

ELV. I have listened to you patiently; can I, inmy turn, speak to you freely?

GARC. And by what eloquent speeches, in-spired by cunning….

ELV. If you have still something to say, praycontinue; I am ready to hear you. If not, I hope

you will at least listen for a few minutes quietlyto what I have to say.

GARC. Well, then, I am listening. Ye Heavens!what patience is mine!

ELV. I restrain my indignation, and will with-out any passion reply to your discourse, so fullof fury.

GARC. It is because you see…

ELV. I have listened to you as long as you plea-sed; pray do the like to me. I wonder at mydestiny, and I believe there was never any thingunder Heaven so marvellous, nothing morestrange and incomprehensible, and nothingmore opposed to reason. I have a lover, whoincessantly does nothing else but persecute me;who, amidst all the expressions of his love,does not entertain for me any feelings of es-teem; whose heart, on which my eyes have ma-de an impression, does not do justice to the

lofty rank granted to me by Heaven; who willnot defend the innocence of my actions againstthe slightest semblance of false appearances.Yes, I see … (Don Garcia shows some signs of im-patience, and wishes to speak). Above all, do notinterrupt me. I see that my unhappiness is sogreat, that one who says he loves me, and who,even if the whole world were to attack my re-putation, ought to claim to defend it against all,is he who is its greatest foe. In the midst of hislove, he lets no opportunity pass of suspectingme; he not only suspects me, but breaks outinto such violent fits of jealousy that love can-not suffer without being wounded. Far fromacting like a lover who would rather die thanoffend her whom he loves, who gently com-plains and seeks respectfully to have explainedwhat he thinks suspicious, he proceeds to ex-tremities as soon as he doubts, and is full ofrage, insults, and threats. However, this day Iwill shut my eyes to everything that makes himodious to me, and out of mere kindness afford

him an opportunity of being reconciled, thoughhe insulted me anew. This great rage withwhich you attacked me proceeds from whatyou accidentally saw; I should be wrong to de-ny what you have seen; I own you might havesome reason to be disturbed at it.

GARC. And is it not…

ELV. Listen to me a little longer, and you shallknow what I have resolved. It is necessary thatour fates should be decided. You are now uponthe brink of a great precipice; you will eitherfall over it, or save yourself, according to theresolution you shall take. If, notwithstandingwhat you have seen, Prince, you act towardsme as you ought, and ask no other proof butthat I tell you you are wrong; if you readilycomply with my wishes and are willing to be-lieve me innocent upon my word alone, and nolonger yield to every suspicion, but blindlybelieve what my heart tells you; then this sub-mission, this proof of esteem, shall cancel all

your offences; I instantly retract what I saidwhen excited by well-founded anger. And ifhereafter I can choose for myself, without pre-judicing what I owe to my birth, then my hon-our, being satisfied with the respect you soquickly show, promises to reward your lovewith my heart and my hand. But listen now towhat I say. If you care so little for my offer as torefuse completely to abandon your jealous sus-picions; if the assurance which my heart andbirth give you do not suffice; if the mistrust thatdarkens your mind compels me, though inno-cent, to convince you, and to produce a clearproof of my offended virtue, I am ready to doso, and you shall be satisfied; but you mustthen renounce me at once, and for ever give upall pretensions to my hand. I swear by Himwho rules the Heavens, that, whatever fate mayhave in store for us, I will rather die than beyours! I trust these two proposals may satisfyyou; now choose which of the two pleases you.

GARC. Righteous Heaven! Was there ever any-thing more artful and treacherous? Could hell-ish malice produce any perfidy so black? Couldit have invented a more severe and mercilessway to embarrass a lover? Ah! ungratefulwoman, you know well how to take advantageof my great weakness, even against myself, andto employ for your own purposes that exces-sive, astonishing, and fatal love which you in-spired.

[Footnote: The phrase "Ah! ungrateful woman"until "inspired" is also found in the Misanthrope,Act iv., Scene 3 (see Vol. II).]

Because you have been taken by surprise, andcannot find an excuse, you cunningly offer toforgive me. You pretend to be good-natured,and invent some trick to divert the conse-quences of my vengeance; you wish to ward offthe blow that threatens a wretch, by craftilyentangling me with your offer. Yes, your arti-fices would fain avert an explanation which

must condemn you; pretending to be com-pletely innocent, you will give convincingproof of it only upon such conditions as youthink and most fervently trust I will never ac-cept; but you are mistaken if you think to sur-prise me. Yes, yes, I am resolved to see howyou can defend yourself; by what miracle youcan justify the horrible sight I beheld, and con-demn my anger.

ELV. Consider that, by this choice, you engageyourself to abandon all pretensions to the heartof Donna Elvira.

GARC. Be it so! I consent to everything; be-sides, in my present condition, I have no longerany pretensions.

ELV. You will repent the wrath you have dis-played.

GARC. No, no, your argument is a mere eva-sion; I ought rather to tell you that somebody

else may perhaps soon repent. The wretch,whoever he may be, shall not be fortunateenough to save his life, if I wreak my venge-ance.

ELV. Ha! This can no longer be borne; I am tooangry foolishly to preserve longer my goodnature. Let me abandon the wretch to his owndevices, and, since he will undergo his doom,let him—Eliza!… (To Don Garcia). You compelme to act thus; but you shall see that this out-rage will be the last.

SCENE IX.—DONNA ELVIRA, DONGARCIA, ELIZA, DON ALVAREZ.

ELV. (To Eliza). Desire my beloved to comeforth … Go, you understand me, say that I wishit.

GARC. And can I…

ELV. Patience, you will be satisfied.

EL. (Aside, going out). This is doubtless somenew trick of our jealous lover.

ELV. Take care at least that this righteous in-dignation perseveres in its ardour to the end;above all, do not henceforth forget what priceyou have paid to see your suspicions removed.

SCENE X.—DONNA ELVIRA, DONGARCIA, DONNA INEZ, ELIZA, DON AL-VAREZ.

ELV. (To Don Garcia, showing him Donna Inez).Thanks to Heaven, behold the cause of the gen-erous suspicions you showed. Look well onthat face, and see if you do not at once recog-nize the features of Donna Inez.

GARC. O Heavens!

ELV. If the rage which fills your heart preventsyou from using your eyes, you can ask others,and thus leave no room for doubt. It was neces-sary to pretend she was dead, so that she mightescape from the tyrant who persecuted her: shedisguised herself in this manner the better toprofit by her pretended death. (To Donna Inez).You will pardon me, Madam, for having con-

sented to betray your secrets and to frustrateyour expectations; but I am exposed to DonGarcia's insolence; I am no longer free to do as Iwish; my honour is a prey to his suspicions,and is every moment compelled to defend it-self. This jealous man accidentally saw us em-brace, and then he behaved most disgracefully.(To Don Garcia). Yes, behold the cause of yoursudden rage, and the convincing witness of mydisgrace. Now, like a thorough tyrant, enjoy theexplanation you have provoked; but know thatI shall never blot from my memory the heinousoutrage done to my reputation. And if ever Iforget my oath, may Heaven shower its sever-est chastisements upon my head; may a thun-derbolt descend upon me if ever I resolve tolisten to your love. Come, Madam, let us leavethis spot, poisoned by the looks of a furiousmonster; let us quickly flee from his bitter at-tacks, let us avoid the consequences of his madrage, and animated by just motives, let us only

pray that we may soon be delivered from hishands.

INEZ. (To Don Garcia). My Lord, your unjustand violent suspicions have wronged virtueitself.

SCENE XI.—DON GARCIA, DON ALVA-REZ.

GARC. What gleam of light clearly shows memy error, and, at the same time, involves mysenses in such a profound horror that, dejected,I can see nothing but the dreadful object of aremorse that kills me! Ah! Don Alvarez, I per-ceive you were in the right; but hell breathed itspoison into my soul; through a merciless fatal-

ity I am my worst enemy. What does it benefitme to love with the most ardent passion that anamorous heart ever displayed, if this love con-tinually engenders suspicions which tormentme, and thus renders itself hateful! I must, Imust justly revenge by my death the outragecommitted against her divine charms. Whatadvice can I follow now? Alas! I have lost theonly object which made life dear to me! As Irelinquished all hope of ever being beloved byher, it is much easier to abandon life itself.

ALV. My Lord…

GARC. No, Don Alvarez, my death is neces-sary. No pains, no arguments shall turn mefrom it; yet my approaching end must do somesignal service to the Princess. Animated by thisnoble desire, I will seek some glorious means ofquitting life; perform some mighty deed wor-thy of my love, so that in expiring for her sakeshe may pity me, and say, it was excess of lovethat was my sole offence. Thus she shall see

herself avenged! I must attempt a deed of dar-ing, and with my own hand give to Mauregatthat death he so justly deserves. My boldnesswill forestall the blow with which Castile open-ly threatens him. With my last breath, I shallhave the pleasure of depriving my rival of per-forming such a glorious deed.

ALV. So great a service, my Lord, may perhapsobliterate all remembrance of your offence; butto risk….

GARC. Let me fulfil my duty, and strive to ma-ke my despair aid in this noble attempt.

ACT V.

SCENE I.—DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA.

ALV. No, never was anyone more astonished.He had just planned that lofty undertaking;inspired by despair, he was all anxiety to killMauregat; eager to show his courage, and toreap the advantage of this lawful deed; to en-deavour to obtain his pardon, and prevent themortification of seeing his rival share his glory.As he was leaving these walls, a too accuratereport brought him the sad tidings, that thevery rival whom he wished to forestall hadalready gained the honour he hoped to acquire:had anticipated him, in slaying the traitor, andurged the appearance of Don Alphonso, whowill reap the fruits of Don Silvio's prompt suc-cess, and come to fetch the Princess, his sister. Itis publicly said and generally believed, thatDon Alphonso intends to give the hand of hissister as a reward for the great services DonSilvio has rendered him, by clearing for him away to the throne.

EL. Yes, Donna Elvira has heard this news,which has been confirmed by old Don Louis,who has sent her word that Leon is now await-ing her happy return and that of Don Alphon-so, and that there, since fortune smiles uponher, she shall receive a husband from the handsof her brother. It is plain enough from thesefew words that Don Silvio will be her husband.

ALV. This blow to the Prince's heart…

EL. Will certainly be severely felt. I cannot helppitying his distress; yet, if I judge rightly, he isstill dear to the heart he has offended; it did notappear to me that the Princess was well pleasedwhen she heard of Don Silvio's success, and ofthe approaching arrival of her brother, or withthe letter; but…

SCENE II.—DONNA ELVIRA, DONNAINEZ, ELIZA, DON ALVAREZ.

ELV. Don Alvarez, let the Prince come hither.(Don Alvarez leaves). Give me leave, Madam, tospeak to him in your presence concerning thispiece of news, which greatly surprises me; anddo not accuse me of changing my mind tooquickly, if I lose all my animosity against him.His unforeseen misfortune has extinguished it;he is unhappy enough without the addition ofmy hatred. Heaven, who treats him with somuch rigour, has but too well executed theoaths I took. When my honour was outraged, Ivowed openly never to be his; but as I see thatfate is against him, I think I have treated hislove with too great severity; the ill success thatfollows whatever he does for my sake, cancelshis offence, and restores him my love. Yes, Ihave been too well avenged; the waywardness

of his fate disarms my anger, and now, full ofcompassion, I am seeking to console an un-happy lover for his misfortunes. I believe hislove well deserves the compassion I wish toshow him.

INEZ. Madam, it would be wrong to blame thetender sentiments you feel for him. What hehas done for you … He comes; and his palenessshows how deeply he is affected by this sur-prising stroke of fate.

SCENE III.—DON GARCIA, DONNA EL-VIRA, DONNA INEZ, ELIZA.

GARC. Madam, you must think me very boldin daring to come here to show you my hatefulpresence…

ELV. Prince, let us talk no more of my resent-ment; your fate has made a change in my heart.Its severity, and your wretched condition haveextinguished my anger, and our peace is made.Yes, though you have deserved the misfortuneswith which Heaven in its wrath has afflictedyou; though your jealous suspicions have soignominiously, so almost incredibly, sullied myfame, yet I must needs confess that I so farcommiserate your misfortune, as to be some-what displeased with our success. I hate thefamous service Don Silvio has rendered us,because my heart must be sacrificed to reward

it; I would, were it in my power, bring back themoments when destiny put only my oath in myway. But you know that it is the doom of suchas we are, to be always the slaves of public in-terests; that Heaven has ordained that my brot-her, who disposes of my hand, is likewise myKing. Yield, as I do, Prince, to that necessitywhich rank imposes upon those of lofty birth. Ifyou are very unfortunate in your love, be com-forted by the interest I take in you; and thoughyou have been overwhelmed by fate, do notemploy the power which your valour gives youin this place: it would, doubtless be unworthyof you to struggle against destiny; whilst it is invain to oppose its decrees, a prompt submis-sion shows a lofty courage. Do not thereforeresist its orders; but open the gates of Astorgato my brother who is coming; allow my sadheart to yield to those rights which he is enti-tled to claim from me; perhaps that fatal duty,which I owe him against my will, may not goso far as you imagine.

GARC. Madam, you give me proofs of exqui-site goodness in endeavouring to lighten theblow that is prepared for me, but without suchpains you may let fall upon me all the wrathwhich your duty demands. In my present con-dition, I can say nothing. I have deserved theworst punishments which fate can inflict; and Iknow that, whatever evils I may suffer, I havedeprived myself of the right to complain ofthem. Alas, amidst all my misfortunes, on whatgrounds can I be bold enough to utter any com-plaint against you? My love has rendered itselfa thousand times odious, and has done nothingbut outrage your glorious charms; when by ajust and noble sacrifice, I was endeavouring torender some service to your family, fortuneabandoned me, and made me taste the bittergrief of being forestalled by a rival. After this,Madam, I have nothing more to say. I deservethe blow which I expect; and I see it coming,without daring to call upon your heart to assistme. What remains for me in this extreme mis-

fortune is to seek a remedy in myself, and, by adeath which I long for, free my heart from allthose tribulations. Yes, Don Alphonso will soonbe here; already my rival has made his appear-ance; he seems to have hurried hither fromLeon, to receive his reward for having killedthe tyrant. Do not fear that I shall use my po-wer within these walls to offer him any resis-tance. If you allowed it, there is no being onearth which I would not defy in order to keepyou; but it is not for me, whom you detest, toexpect such an honourable permission. No vainattempts of mine shall offer the smallest oppo-sition to the execution of your just designs. No,Madam, your feelings are under no compul-sion; you are perfectly free. I will open the ga-tes of Astorga to the happy conqueror, and suf-fer the utmost severity of fate.

SCENE IV.—DONNA ELVIRA, DONNAINEZ, ELIZA.

ELV. Madam, do not ascribe all my afflictionsto the interest which I take in his unhappy lot.You will do me but justice if you believe thatyou have a large share in my heart-felt grief;that I care more for friendship than for love. If Icomplain of any dire misfortune, it is becauseHeaven in its anger has borrowed from me tho-se shafts which it hurls against you, and hasmade my looks guilty of kindling a passionwhich treats your kind heart unworthily.

INEZ. This is an accident caused, doubtless, byyour looks, for which you ought not to quarrelwith Heaven. If the feeble charms which mycountenance displays have exposed me to themisfortune of my lover abandoning me, Hea-ven could not better soften such a blow than by

making use of you to captivate that heart. Iought not to blush for an inconstancy whichindicates the difference between your attrac-tions and mine. If this change makes me sigh, itis from foreseeing that it will be fatal to yourlove; amidst the sorrow caused by friendship, Iam angry for your sake that my few attractionshave failed to retain a heart whose devotioninterferes so greatly with the love you feel foranother.

ELV. Rather blame your silence, which, withoutreason, concealed the understanding betweenyour hearts. If I had known this secret sooner, itmight perhaps have spared us both some sadtrouble; I might then coldly and justly haverefused to listen to the sighs of a fickle lover,and perhaps have sent back whence they stra-yed…

INEZ. Madam, he is here.

ELV. You can remain without even looking athim. Do not go away, Madam, but stay, and,though you suffer, hear what I say to him.

INEZ. I consent, Madam; though I very wellknow that were another in my place, she wouldavoid being present at such a conversation.

ELV. If Heaven seconds my wishes, Madam,you shall have no cause to repine.

SCENE V.—DON ALPHONSO (believed tobe Don Silvio), DONNA ELVIRA, DONNAINEZ.

ELV. Before you say a word, my Lord, I ear-nestly beg that you will deign to hear me for amoment. Fame has already informed us of themarvellous deeds you have performed. I won-

der to see, as all do, how quickly and success-fully you have changed our lot. I know verywell that such an eminent service can never besufficiently rewarded, and that nothing oughtto be refused to you for that never-to-be-forgotten deed which replaces my brother onthe throne of his ancestors. But whatever hisgrateful heart may offer you, make a generoususe of your advantages, and do not employyour glorious action, my Lord, to make mebend under an imperious yoke; nor let yourlove—for you know who is the object of mypassion—persist in triumphing over a well-founded refusal; let not my brother, to whomthey are going to present me, begin his reign byan act of tyranny over his sister. Leon has otherrewards which for the nonce, may do morehonour to your lofty valour. A heart which youcan obtain only by compulsion, would be toomean a reward for your courage. Can a man beever really satisfied when, by coercion, he ob-tains what he loves? It is a melancholy advan-

tage; a generous-minded lover refuses to behappy upon such conditions. He will not oweanything to that pressure which relatives thinkthey have a right to employ; he is ever too fondof the maiden he loves, to suffer her to be sacri-ficed as a victim, even to himself. Not that myheart intends to grant to another what it refusesto you. No, my Lord, I promise you, and pledgeyou my word of honour, that no one shall everobtain my hand, that a convent shall protect meagainst every other…

ALPH. Madam, I have listened long enough toyour discourse, and might, by two words, haveprevented it all, if you had given less credit tofalse tidings. I know that a common report,which is everywhere believed, attributes to methe glory of having killed the tyrant; but as wehave been informed, the people alone, stirredup by Don Louis to do their duty, have per-formed this honourable and heroic act, whichpublic rumour ascribed to me. The reason of

these tidings was that Don Louis, the better tocarry out his lofty purpose, spread a report thatI and my soldiers had made ourselves mastersof the town; by this news he so excited the peo-ple, that they hastened to kill the usurper. Hehas managed everything by his prudent zeal,and has just sent me notice of this by one of hisservants. At the same time, a secret has beenrevealed to me which will astonish you asmuch as it surprised me. You expect a brother,and Leon its true master; Heaven now presentshim before you. Yes, I am Don Alphonso; I wasbrought up and educated under the name ofPrince of Castile; this clearly proves the sincerefriendship that existed between Don Louis andthe King, my father. Don Louis has all theproofs of this secret, and will establish its truthto the whole world. But now my thoughts aretaken up with other cares; I am clear how to acttowards you; not that my passion is opposed tosuch a discovery, or that the brother in myheart quarrels with the lover. The revelation of

this secret has, without the least murmur,changed my ardour into a love commanded bynature; the tie of relationship which unites ushas so entirely freed me from the love which Ientertained for you, that the highest favour Inow long for is the sweet delights of my firstchain, and the means of rendering to the ador-able Inez that which her excessive goodnessdeserves.

[Footnote: Compare the manner in which An-dres, in The Blunderer (Act v., Scene 15), recog-nises his sister in Celia.]

But the uncertainty of her lot renders mine mis-erable; if what is reported be true, then it willbe in vain for Leon to invite me, and for a thro-ne to wait for me; for a crown could not makeme happy. I only wished for its splendour inorder to let me taste the joy of placing it on thehead of that maiden for whom Heaven des-tined me, and by those means to repair, as faras I could, the wrong I have done to her ex-

traordinary virtues. It is from you, Madam, Iexpect tidings as to what has become of her. Bepleased to communicate them, and by yourwords hasten my despair, or the happiness ofmy life.

ELV. Do not wonder if I delay answering you;for this news, my Lord, bewilders me. I will nottake upon me to tell your loving heart, whetherDonna Inez be dead or alive; but this gentle-man here, who is one of her most intimatefriends, will doubtless give you some informa-tion about her.

ALPH. (Recognising Donna Inez). Ah, Madam, inthis dilemma I am happy to behold again yourheavenly beauty. But with what eye can youlook upon a fickle lover, whose crime…

INEZ. Ah! do not insult me, and venture tostate that a heart, which I hold dear, could beinconstant. I cannot bear the thought, and theapology pains me. All the love you felt for the

Princess could not offend me, because her greatworth is a sufficient excuse. The love you boreher is no proof of your guilt towards me. Learnthat if you had been culpable, the lofty pridewithin me would have made you sue in vain toovercome my contempt, and that neither repen-tance nor commands could have induced me toforget such an insult.

ELV. Ah, dear brother,—allow me to call youby this gentle name,—you render your sistervery happy! I love your choice, and bless for-tune, which enables you to crown so pure afriendship! Of the two noble hearts I so ten-derly love…

SCENE VI.—DON GARCIA, DONNA EL-VIRA, DONNA INEZ, DON ALPHONSO,ELIZA.

GARC. For mercy's sake, Madam, hide from meyour satisfaction, and let me die in the beliefthat a feeling of duty compels you. I know youcan freely dispose of your hand; I do not intendto run counter to your wishes. I have provedthis sufficiently, as well as my obedience toyour commands. But I must confess that thislevity surprises me, and shakes all my resolu-tions. Such a sight awakens a storm of passionwhich I fear I cannot command, though Iwould punish myself, if this could make melose that profound respect I wish to preserve.Yes, you have ordered me to bear patiently myunfortunate love; your behest has so much in-fluence over my heart, that I will rather diethan disobey you. But still, the joy you display

tries me too severely; the wisest man, uponsuch an occasion, can but ill answer for hisconduct. Suppress it, I beseech you, for a fewmoments, and spare me, Madam, this crueltrial; however great your love for my rival maybe, do not let me be a wretched witness of hisfelicity. This is the smallest favour I think alover may ask, even when he is disliked asmuch as I am. I do not seek this favour for long,Madam; my departure will soon satisfy you. Igo where sorrow shall consume my soul, andshall learn your marriage only by hearsay; Iought not to hasten to behold such a spectacle;for, without seeing it, it will kill me.

INEZ. Give me leave, my Lord, to blame youfor complaining, because the Princess has dee-ply felt your misfortunes; this very joy at whichyou murmur, arises solely from the happinessthat is in store for you. She rejoices in a successwhich has favoured your heart's desire, and hasdiscovered that your rival is her brother. Yes,

Don Alphonso, whose name has been sobruited about, is her brother; this great secrethas just now been told to her.

ALPH. My heart, thank Heaven, after a longtorture, has all that it can desire, and deprivesyou of nothing, my Lord. I am so much thehappier, because I am able to forward yourlove.

GARC. Alas! my Lord, I am overwhelmed byyour goodness, which condescends to respondto my dearest wishes. Heaven has averted theblow that I feared; any other man but myselfwould think himself happy. But the fortunatediscovery of this favourable secret, proves meto be culpable towards her I adore; I have againsuccumbed to these wretched suspicions,against which I have been so often warned, andin vain; through them my love has becomehateful, and I ought to despair of ever beinghappy. Yes, Donna Elvira has but too good rea-son to hate me; I know I am unworthy of par-

don; and whatever success fortune may giveme, death, death alone, is all that I can expect.

ELV. No, no, Prince, your submissive attitudebrings more tender feelings into my heart; I feelthat the oath I took is no longer binding on me;your complaints, your respect, your grief hasmoved me to compassion; I see an excess oflove in all your actions, and your malady de-serves to be pitied. Since Heaven is the cause ofyour faults, some indulgence ought to be al-lowed to them; in one word, jealous or not jeal-ous, my King will have no compulsion to em-ploy when he gives me to you.

GARC. Heaven! enable me to bear the excess ofjoy which this confession produces.

ALPH. I trust, my Lord, that after all our use-less dissensions, this marriage may foreverunite our hearts and kingdoms. But timepresses, and Leon expects us; let us go there-

fore, and, by our presence and watchfulnessgive the last blow to the tyrant's party.