Cleone :: :: University of Virginia Library

A Room in Sifroy's House.
Glanville, Isabella.
Glanville.
Sure the dark hand of death ere this hath clos'd
The prying eyes of Paulet, and secur'd
Our bold attempt from danger. But hast thou,
Free from suspicion, to Cleone's hand
Convey'd the letter, forg'd against my self,
Pressing her instant flight, and branding me
With black designs against her life?

Isabella.
I have;
Pretending 'twas receiv'd from hands unknown.
But lurks no danger here? Will not this letter,
Discover'd after death, betray thy scheme?

Glanville.
'Gainst that too I'm secure. The deed once done,
A deep enormous cavern in the wood
Receives her body, and for ever hides.
But she perus'd, thou say'st, the letter—well—
How wrought it?—say—this moment will she fly?
Success in this, and all shall be our own.

Isabella.
Silent she paus'd—and read it o'er and o'er.

Then lifting up her eyes—forgive him, Heaven!
Was all she said. But soon her rising fear
Resolv'd on quick escape. Suspicion too,
That all her servants are by thee corrupted,
Urges to fly alone, save with her child,
The young Sifroy, whom clasping to her breast,
And bathing with a flood of tears, she means,
Safe from thy snares, to shelter with her father.

Glanville.
Just as I hop'd—Beneath the friendly gloom
Of Baden wood, whose unfrequented paths
They needs must pass to reach her father's house,
I have contriv'd, and now ordain their fall.
Kindly she plans her scheme, as tho' her self
Were my accomplice.

Isabella.
As we parted, tears
Gush'd from her eyes—she closely press'd my hand,
And hesitating cry'd—O Isabella!
If 'tis not now too late, beware of Glanville.
I scarce could hold from weeping.

Glanville.
Fool! root out
That weakness, which unfits th' aspiring soul
For great designs. But hush! who's here?

[Enter Ragozin.