 | The Law of Lombardy |  |
SCENE VI.
To the SHEPHERD, at an opposite Entrance, RINALDO.SHEPHERD.
He had a hard heart, lady, struck thee down.
I wou'd not for the herds that graze these hills
Beyond my eyes, not, no, nor for the wealth
Of all who throng the city, I or mine
Shou'd answer for a sin like this at doom's-day.
Oh, if thy father lives, what bitter tears
Will this misdeed wring from his watery eyes!
Thou shalt not want what I can do for thee.
I'll make thy bed with leaves, and strew thee o'er
With herbs and flowers, wild thyme and lavender,
White lilies, and the prime of all our fields:
And for thy soul's peace, till thy knell is toll'd,
I'll number many an ave.—Come, for help.
56
Oh, cursed chance! Vain is my search to find him;
Yet all his life to come, from one lost moment
May take its mournful colour. Doom'd to die;
And he alike accus'd, leave her to perish!
Most horrible!—Kind shepherd! answer quickly;
Saw'st thou a youth clad in a shining robe,
Of noble port, wandering these tangled woods?
SHEPHERD.
Even such a one as you describe, but now,
(Him of your question doubtless) went from hence,
And left with me in charge—
RINALDO.
No matter what.
Know you the path he took, which way his course?
SHEPHERD.
I follow'd him a little with my eye,
And saw him wind round yonder shrubby hill,
Then pass the row of olives.
RINALDO.
Leads it not
Strait to the city?
SHEPHERD.
As the falcon flies.
RINALDO.
Oh, Fortune! Guide his steps once more to Pavia,
Else, never ending misery awaits him.
[Exeunt severally.
| The Law of Lombardy | |