University of Virginia Library

Scene XV.

Estrella and Astolfo.
Estrella.
Give me now the other portrait;
For—although perhaps I never
May again address or see you—
I desire not, no, to let it
In your hands remain, if only
For my folly in requesting
You to give it.

Astolfo
(aside).
How escape
From this singular dilemma?—
Though I wish, most beauteous Princess,
To obey thee and to serve thee,
Still I cannot give the portrait
Thou dost ask for, since. ...

Estrella.
A wretched
And false-hearted lover art thou.
Now I wish it not presented,
So to give thee no pretext
For reminding me that ever
I had asked it at thy hands.

[Exit.
Astolfo.
Hear me! listen! wait! remember!—
God, what hast thou done, Rosaura?
Why, or wherefore, on what errand,
To destroy thyself and me
Hast thou Poland rashly entered?

[Exit.