University of Virginia Library


21

SCENE IV.

A Garden.
RINALDO
alone. Night.
He must pass this way: thro' the postern gate
That leads here only, with distemper'd pace
I saw him hasten. Since the evening banquet
His wild demeanour “has put on more change
Than yonder fickle planet in her orb.
Just now he seiz'd his sword, look'd at, and poiz'd it,
Then girt it round him, while his bloodshot eye,
And heaving bosom, spoke the big conception
Of some dire purpose. There is mischief towards—
I may perhaps prevent it—these tall shrubs
Will hide me from his view.—Soft, soft, 'tis he.

[Rinaldo retires.