University of Virginia Library

SCENE, Hall in the Duke of Alba's Palace.
Enter GUSMAN and GASPERO.
GUZMAN.
Did she not murmur, or in aught betray
Reluctance at departure?

GASPERO.
Rather, my Lord!
With eagerness she undertook the journey.

GUZMAN.
There is a scorn and strangeness in her 'haviour,
Which tends, methinks, too deeply to debase me;
I'll not endure it, for it bodes disgrace—
Some sentimental boy, some soft complainer,
With sighs, expressing sensibilities,
Has caught her in the trammels of romance.
Come hither, Gaspero! a word with you.

GASPERO.
I but attend your pleasure.—

GUZMAN.
Let me appoint you steward of the castle
Where Seraphina is dispos'd, there reap
Advantage from the profitable office!
But my first mandate is, that you observe
Her ev'ry action closely, and inform me,
If any desp'rate minion of the moon,
Or whining shepherd, artfully approach
Her sacred haunts of solitude and peace.

GASPERO.
In truth, my Lord! your slightest disposition
Ensures my earnest will, and faithful service.

GUZMAN.
Then, be there no delay, but prove thyself
A swift and excellent Commissioner.
The circumstances will reward attention:
So, with a piercing and considerate eye,
Read all that passes. Should I have a rival!
You wear a sword to vindicate my wrongs!

GASPERO.
Most readily your wish shall be obey'd
[Exit Gaspero.

GUZMAN.
The Lady Zoriana's sudden marriage
With this young Count, is prominent of danger,
That should demand reflection—for her wealth,
And courtly influence may generate,
And probably give birth to new ambition;
While I may lose that plenitude of pow'r,
For which I've yet found no competitor.
'Twere well, however, to bestow on him
Such salutation as th' occasion claims,
Since, from the interview, I may discover
His natural propensities, and learn,
Or to despise, or court his future friendship.
[Exit Guzman.