University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Valerius returns alone.
Valer.
Had she not seen him—or, would he consent
To wed another—hope might yet revive,
And bring new blossoms forth—Must he fix here,
Where my whole soul was seal'd?—from infancy,
I had decreed her mine.
Curs'd chance!—why did they meet?—or, rather, why
Have I thus fostered a young pelican,
Who tears my bosom, and who drinks my blood?
I gave him life—my life he takes away,
By heart-distending tortures!