Eudora :: :: University of Virginia Library

Of warmest expectation. Blind Verino,
Wild with despair, and dread of public shame,
To save his son from a disgraceful death,
Has given him poison.

MAJONE.
By our hopes 'tis great:
Fate seems to labor to fulfil my wishes,
And when in thought I seal my rival's death,
To aid my great designs, obedient nature
Cancels her strongest law, and arms for me
A father's hasty hand to kill his child;
On him then be the blood! But say! did Raymond
Yield such exact obedience to Verino
As not to hesitate?

SICARDI.
That is, my Lord,
What I am yet to learn: the trusty spy,
Whom I had stationed to observe their purpose,
Heard long discourse, but soon as he informed me
Of this its desperate issue, I in haste
Flew to apprise you of this great event,
Ere you could shew that paper to the King,
Which now 'tis better to conceal.

MAJONE.
'Tis true:
Ere Raymond's death be known, I will appear,
His warmest advocate; so shall I keep
The secret motions of my heart disguised,
And 'scape that vengeance, which I else might fear
From those, who may lament him.

SICARDI.
Hark! my Lord,

A sound of tumult!

GUARDS,
(behind the scene)
No! you must not pass.

EUDORA,
(behind the scene.)
Do not forbid affliction to appear
Where justice dwells!

MAJONE.
It is Eudora's voice:
She comes, unknowing of her husband's fate,
To supplicate the King: I could not wish
A better witness of the zeal I mean
To shew for Raymond's life: retire my friend,
And keep a watchful eye upon Verino.

(Exit Sicardi.