University of Virginia Library

Scene IX.

Basilius, Estrella and Attendants, Sigismund, Astolfo, and Clotaldo.
Basilius.
Swords flashing here!—

Estrella
(aside).
Astolfo is engaged:—Oh, pain severe!

Basilius.
What caused this quarrel? Speak, say why?

Astolfo.
'Tis nothing now, my lord, since thou art by.

Sigismund.
'Tis much, although thou now art by, my lord.
I wished to kill this old man with my sword.

Basilius.
Did you not then respect
These snow-white hairs?

Clotaldo.
My lord will recollect
They scarce deserved it, being mine.

Sigismund.
Who dares
To ask of me do I respect white hairs?
Your own some day
My feet may trample in the public way,
For I have not as yet revenged my wrong,
Your treatment so unjust and my sad state so long.

[Exit.
Basilius.
But ere that dawn doth break,
You must return to sleep, where when you wake
All that hath happened here will seem—
As is the glory of the world—a dream.

[Exeunt The King, Clotaldo, and Attendants.