University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

An Apartment in the Prime Minister's House.
SEYFERT. BURMAN at a Distance.
SEYFERT.
Revenge, thou art the deity I adore!—
From thy auspicious shrine I hope a cure
For the corroding pain that rends my heart.
The vain Alberti being thus preferr'd
By fair Constantia, passeth all enduring!
Colredo I have rouz'd—Another wooer—
And in his name are such reflections dropp'd,
As 'twixt the two a duel must provoke—
My purpose is, whoe'er the conqu'ror be,
To reap advantage for my private views.
If that Colredo triumph o'er Alberti,
I to his widow will renew my suit—
Or, if Alberti should dispatch Colredo,
I'll so possess th'imperial ear against him,
As that immediate sentence shall take place,
Death, or imprisonment in Idra's Cave;
Where he'll not deign to eke out life in toil,
But soon emancipate his soul for higher worlds—
Burman approach!—And this your task fulfil.
Since you have learn'd the place where they're to meet,
Range near the choicest of my men conceal'd,
To carry of the slain or hurt Colredo—
Around, place guards disguis'd to seize Alberti.
Such are the orders from above receiv'd—
The cogent reasons you shall know hereafter;
Be quick—be diligent—and hope to rise!—

BURMAN.
In this, as all things, I shall prove my zeal.

SEYFERT.
I know thou wilt, from long experienc'd truth.
[Exit Burman.
I have so plann'd I think I must succeed—
Unless capricious fortune war against me—
I'll to the Emperor—and prepare him for the event.

[Exit.