University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

—The Castle Garden.
(Time—Morning.)
Enter Francisco.
Fran.
I thought the thunder roared, Woe to Francisco,
If he should do the deed!—
Can I relume those eyes, restore that form?
To look on her, creation's fairest work!
Were I an angel, I would quit my sphere,
And let the planets reel into confusion,
Till chaos again unfurled his flag of night,
And, with a thunder-rimmed volcano for his trump,
Proclaimed his reign restored.—
Destroy thee! No, I never formed
The horrible intent:
It must have been a dream, which, with mere terror,
At last has waked me. Never could I be,
It is impossible, so thoroughly a villain,
As for a moment harbour in my mind
A purpose of such peerless wickedness.
[Looks round towards the Chapel, and starts.
'Tis true, too true, here is a living witness.
[Pointing to his breast.
I must not pray; curses must be my prayers,
Curses upon myself, and him who planned
So devilish a conspiracy.—I'll find
The wretch, and curse him to his face.

[Exit.