 | Rinaldo |  |
SCENE III.
The Enchanted Garden, Armida, Rinaldo, Almirena.Armida, holding a Dagger at Almirena's Breast.
Arm.
Die hated Rival, die!
49
Oh pitying Heav'n!
Rin.
Let Mercy bid thee hold—
Arm.
Mercy is mean;
And Wrongs like mine blush in such base Society!
The Asp-like Poyson of Revenge has stung me;
And since for Her thou hast presum'd to slight me,
Let Her by Me be robb'd of thy Possession;
Love and Disdain require the Sacrifice.
Rin.
Complaints like mine—
Arm.
But swell my Tide of Anger.
Rin.
Her Innocence might save—
Arm.
Her Beauty damns her!
Rin.
By the late Love you vow'd—
Arm.
'Tis chang'd to Scorn.
Rin.
First plunge your Dagger here—
Arm.
Let Grief do That.
Rin.
One Thunder Bolt good Heav'n!
Arm.
She shall rain Blood; Showers always follow Thunder.
Armida lifts her Arm to Stab Almirena, and Rinaldo draws his Sword and is striking at her, when two Spirits rise to her assistance, and seize upon him.
Rin.
First let Thy Soul, perfidious Hag, be sent
To make a Road for Hers!
| Rinaldo | |