University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

Giraldo,
alone.
I have the strongest proofs that Baracaldo
Poisoned our regent;—nay, of late, the villain
Has looked the murderer; looked, as if he wished
To stab each man that met him, and himself.
In the same chamber, a few nights ago,
Is was my chance, to sleep with Baracaldo;
His perturbation, in his dreams, awaked me.
Look! Ximenes is there! (he cried) how pale,
How wan, and how emaciated! His eyes
Are sunk; yet baleful are their glances, to me!
Take him away, my friends! oh! take him off!
I cannot bear the agonizing sight!
He crushes, racks, annihilates me!
He started, and awoke.—Infernal monster!
A creature, whom the generous cardinal
Took from a low estate; promoted, placed him,
In honourable office, near his person.
Ingratitude is a characteristick
Of man alone; a most ignoble stigma
On the first beings of this nether world!
Am I a dog?—exclaimed the proud Philistine!
A dog is always grateful.—Let me think:—
Our cautious laws ask more than moral proofs;
Mine are not legal; but I will supply
The phlegmatick, and timorous law's defect;
Snatch a bold grace, in conduct; and despising
Local, and uneffective institution,
Assert pure, absolute, eternal justice.
This poniard shall reprove the traitor's heart!
Mine will approve the deed!—And if the heart,
It's hurry o'er, in movement calm, approves
An act that supersedes the voice of nature,
The offender whom we killed, deserved to die.
My love of glory, too, with all it's fire,
Impells me to avenge a Ximenes.
Spain, Europe, and the new-discovered world
Will rank me with their patriots, and their heroes!
—But while I meditate this great atchievement,
I see the Cardinal himself approaching!

[He sheaths the dagger:—enters Ximenes.