University of Virginia Library

SCENE SECOND.

THE PRINCESS; ELLA.
PRINCESS.
(Descending from the altar, and coming forward as soon as Ella enters).
Is the fight over; Is our fleet victorious?
Why this long interval, without intelligence?

ELLA.
The anxious multitude have so beset
The watch-tower, that your messengers can scarce
Pass through the throng.

PRINCESS.
But what account bring'st thou?

ELLA.
I must conceal the news (aside).
Corvinus wishes—

PRINCESS.
I will not hear.—Have I not oft conjured thee,
For my mind's peace, to speak that name no more?
Duty commands, that I forget our loves:
All thoughts of him, whenever they obtrude,
Must unapprov'd, undwelt on, be dismiss'd.
O ceaseless anguish! Ere I chase one thought,
Another, and another, torturing comes,
Mocking my best resolves.

ELLA.
Corvinus begs,
That you would see him now.

PRINCESS.
To bring this message
Was wrong; and, although check'd, again to speak it,
Argues unfriendliness, tempting to crime.
Ella! thou knew'st I dar'd not see Corvinus.

ELLA.
Forgive me. Yet his wretchedness so struck me,
That, ere my judgment weigh'd, my heart was won
To pity his distress, and tell his suit.

PRINCESS.
Rash, thoughtless, that thou art! to be thus won
To tempt my soul. If thou could'st not resist
His sorrows, how shall I be proof against them?
Injur'd Corvinus! I destroy thy peace;
I dare not see thee more; for should'st thou sue,
And plead, despair might urge my tortur'd soul
To violate the unjust, the guilty Oath,
Which I, in bitterness of heart, repent.
Ye soft ideas! Ye illusive hopes
Of love and bliss, begone! Assail me not.
Whatever joys fate had reserv'd for me,
Thriftless I mortgag'd, ere possession came:
The ruinous payment beggars future hours.
Oh, to forget! for thoughts of happier prospects
Embitter misery.

ELLA.
Yet see Corvinus;
Somewhat of moment has he to impart,
Which it imports you instantly to learn.

PRINCESS.
Forbear! 'Tis virtue bids me shun the conflict.
Tell him, I cannot see him; I'm at the altar,
Imploring Heaven's protection for my Country.
I am its victim.—Say not that to him.
(Exit Ella.)
A voluntary wretch, I made myself,
Alas! ere my heart knew how much it lov'd.
Why did I swear for ever to renounce him?
Aid me, kind heaven! against this rooted passion;
Assist me to forget this dear Corvinus!