University of Virginia Library

SCENE, A Hall in the Castle.
Enter Gaspero with a Key.
GASPERO.
He's well secur'd, nor shall his vehemence
Again demand such numbers to controul it.
Hunger will soon subdue him, and his rage
Subside, when left without antagonist;
While Seraphina, prison'd in her chamber,
May pray in vain to save him—my reward
Will be substantial for this service render'd
To Fabio, and the Duke.—Who's here? A Lady!

Enter Zoriana (in disorder).
ZORIANA.
O, Sir! if ever pity touch'd your heart,
I do beseech you, tell me where my lord,
My husband, my Lorenzo may be found.
Alone I have pursu'd a frantic journey,
Nor ever rested since I left Madrid.
'T was expectation buoy'd me up to bear
The pressure of fatigue; but shou'd my search
Be fruitless, the untoward disappointment
Would surely kill me.

GASPERO.
There has been here a youth
Of fierce pretension, and repulsive valour,
Who came, it seems, a suitor to the Duchess.

ZORIANA.
'T was he—yet, yet, assure me of his safety,
For danger, and distrust, and horrid murder
Are all abroad, and each ill-omen'd breeze
Whispers prophetic woe, and swift destruction.

GASPERO.
He has obtain'd the meed of his designs.

ZORIANA.
The meed! O speak! has he then suffer'd injury?
No one, I trust, has done him violence;
He is a nobleman of high renown,
And excellent desert. Support me, heaven!
(Giving a Purse
Accept this trivial pledge of future giving;
You shall indeed be more than rich hereafter,
If you'll explain his fate, or lead me to him.

GASPERO.
Lady! I dare not.

ZORIANA.
Tell me, does he live?

GASPERO.
As yet, 'tis probable he may!

ZORIANA.
As Yet!

GASPERO.
If you will not betray me; but I fear.

ZORIANA.
Nay, do not doubt.

GASPERO.
I'll shew you to his dungeon.

ZORIANA.
His dungeon!

GASPERO.
Yes—then follow—but be sure
That you return e'er a short hour elapse,
Or you must share his fate!

ZORIANA.
I am content;
It shall be so—I ask no further kindness—
That I should meet thee thus, ador'd Lorenzo!

[Exeunt.