University of Virginia Library

SCENE THE SECOND.

Rosmunda.
Ros.
Go, go; in Ildovaldo's rage and valour
Far more do I confide. Miscreant, I grieve
That I have chosen for thy punishment
A far too honourable hand. But what?
Say, is that punishment accomplish'd yet?
The issue yet is dubious: and there want not,
Although the men of valour are the friends
Of Ildovaldo, base adventurers
Who, averse to him, for their private views,
Still to the king adhere. This impious man
Has still a multitude of partizans;
And from the infatuation of his love
Are force and hardihood in him increased ...
Oh Heaven! should fortune favour his designs,
Always propitious to the criminal? ...
Ah! let me not delay ... Blind confidence
Might now be detrimental. Speedily,
Guards, drag Romilda hither. From my side
Let her not e'en the distance of one step
Be sever'd now. Oh, precious pledge of peace!
Oh most preposterous origin of discord!
Is she the royal guerdon of the victor?—
If she indeed a royal guerdon be,
Let her come here; to give her is my province.