Naomi. cavern. The cavern? Yes, the mouth of yonder And it was stained with blood. Then first I shrieked, After a while I saw the son of Valdez Rush by with flaring torch; he likewise entered. There was another and a longer pause; And once, methought I heard the clash of swords! And soon the son of Valdez re-appeared: He flung his torch towards the moon in sport, And seemed as he were mirthful! stood listening, 60 I My eye-balls burnt, my brain grew hot as fire, And all the hanging drops of the wet roof blood! And I was leaping wildly down the chasm, When on the farther brink I saw his sword, And it said, Vengeance !-Curses on my The moon hath moved in Heaven, and And he hath not had vengeance! Isidore! To each poor brother who offends against And life's best warmth still radiates from the heart us Most innocent, perhaps and what if Where love sits brooding, and an honest Alvar (eagerly). Believe it not, sweet Thy much deceived but ever faithful maid! Believe it not, Beloved woman! 'Twas a low imposture Framed by a guilty wretch. Teresa (retires from him, and feebly supports herself against a pillar of the dungeon). Ha! thou? Who art Alvar. [Takes her portrait from his neck, and gives it her. Teresa (receiving the portrait). The same it is the same. Ah! Who art thou? Nay I will call thee, ALVAR! Conceal thyself, my love! It is Ordonio. For the honour of our race, for our dear father; O for himself too (he is still my brother) O let me reconcile him to himself, Teresa. O my all virtuous Love! I With that obdurate man. Alvar. 99 Thou dost not leave me ! But a brief while retire into the darkness: O that my joy could spread its sunshine round thee! Teresa. The sound of thy voice shall be my music! [Retiring, she returns hastily and embracing ALVAR. And thou didst spare his life? Blessings Alvar! my Alvar! am I sure I hold thee? As many as the drops twice counted o'er Is it no dream? thee in my arms, my shower on thee, And as I brimmed the bowl, I thought There's poison in't-which of us two on thee. shall drink it? Thou hast conspired against my life and For one of us must die! 139 Ordonio. Thou hast guessed right; | Art happy when alone? Can'st walk by Teresa (rushing out and falling on [ORDONIO with frantic wildness Stop, madman, stop! Alvar. Does then this thin disguise impenetrably It will not weigh against an orphan's Hide Alvar from thee? Toil and paintear! ful wounds Alvar (almost overcome by his feelings). And long imprisonment in unwholesome But Alvar Ordonio. Ha! it choaks thee in the throat, Even thee; and yet I pray thee speak it out. dungeons, Have marred perhaps all trait and lineament Of what I was! But chiefly, chiefly, brother, 199 Ordonio-Brother! Still Alvar!-Alvar!-howl it in mine ear! My anguish for thy guilt! 181 Nay, nay, thou shalt embrace me. Touch not pollution, Alvar! I will die. Alvar. We will find means to save your honour. Live, Oh live, Ordonio! for our father's sake! Teresa. And you may yet be happy. |