University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

THE VICEROY, VELORA; PERSOD, (entering and throwing himself before the Viceroy.)
Turn! thou base tyrant! hear a father's voice!
Behold his weakness prostrate at thy feet!

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Release! release my child! nor by this outrage
Wound sacred nature in a parent's soul!

THE VICEROY.
Distracting interruption! By my life
His reverend form, and his white hairs have struck
Blank awe thro' all my veins—
My trembling sinews have not power to take her
From his weak hold—and yet by Heaven she must not
Compleat the triumph of her treacherous love.
Guards there without!

Enter GUARDS.
PERSOD.
O mercy! mighty Castro,
Thou wilt not force my innocent child away,
While these paternal arms are stretched to save her.

THE VICEROY,
to the Guards.
Reasons of state compel me to divide
These faithless captives: Soldiers! on your duty
I charge ye, part them with the gentlest violence,
And lead Velora to the western tower!

(Exit.