University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Outskirts of the Forest.—Enter Garcia.
Gar.
Thro' the wild silence of this savage forest
I've wander'd with quick steps to shun the scene.
I'm on the outskirts now—where would I go?
Where'er I turn, Giovanni's dying form
Lies in my path—and in my tingling ears
Giovanni's dying words are still repeated!
Where would I fly—unless into the grave?
But wherefore?—for I know not how 'twas done.
He struck me—lung'd at me—we fought—he fell—
How was't he got his death-wound? Oh vain thought!
What can restore him—what can bring him back?
Nothing!—for he is dead—I left him dead—
And I must answer for it! Answer!—how?
What can I answer—save that we did fight,
And he is slain? There is no other answer.
But can I say this to my father?—no!
It is impossible!—or to his mother!
It is impossible!—Oh 'twould increase
Their agonies—dragg'd with a dripping harrow
Through and beyond the natural gates of death—
To know his brother slew him! I am resolv'd!
They shall not know it: I myself will bear
All the sharp torment, weighing down life's balance
With inward-molten lead; and let my soul,
That in calm virtue's ether should be pois'd,
Sink all alone to premature dark hell—
But show no shadow of't in words or looks.

[Exit Garcia.