Tan. Dare not to touch it, traitor, lest my rage Break loose, and do a deed that misbecomes me. Enter SIFFREDI. Sif. My gracious lord, what is it I behold! From your exalted character descend, Tan. My Lord Siffredi, Spare thy rebuke. The duties of my station Thou know'st thou hast.-I could to thy confusion What! arrogant pretensions to my wife? Not, on my life, pursue them!-Giddy prince! Of parent Heaven, who gave me too an arm, Mine is a common cause. My arm shall guard, I shall find means to shake thy tottering throne, Constantia is my queen! Sif. Lord Constable, Let us be stedfast in the right; but let us I know the king; at first, his passions burst Osm. He will!-By Heavens, he shall!— No, no, my lord! there is a nobler way Unseal'd her stupid eyes.-The sword is reason!— Enter RODOLPHO, with GUARDS. Rod. My Lord High Constable of Sicily, In the King's name, and by his special order, I here arrest you prisoner of state. Osm. What king? I know no King of Sicily, Unless he be the husband of Constantia. Rod. Then know him now -behold his royal orders, To bear you to the castle of Palermo. Sif. Let the big torrent foam its madness off. Submit, my lord-No castle long can hold Our wrongs.-This, more than friendship or alliance, Confirms me thine; this binds me to thy fortunes, By the strong tie of common injury, Which nothing can dissolve.-I grieve, Rodolpho, To see the reign in such unhappy sort Begin. Osm. The reign?-The usurpation, call it! This meteor king may blaze a while, but soon Must spend his idle terrors.-Sir, lead on Farewell, my lord-more than my life and fortune, Remember well, is in your hands-my honour! Sif. Our honour is the same. My son, farewellWe shall not long be parted.-On these eyes Sleep shall not shed his balm, till I behold thee Restored to freedom, or partake thy bonds. [Exeunt. ACT THE FIFTH. SCENE I. A Chamber. SIFFREDI, alone. Sif. The prospect lowers around. I found the king Inexorably fix'd, whate'er the risk, To claim my daughter, and dissolve the marriage.I have embark'd, upon a perilous sea, A mighty treasure; and I only faster rush Upon the desperate evils I would shun. Bear witness, Heaven, thou mind-inspecting eye! Enter an OFFICER belonging to SIFfredi. Off. My lord, a man of noble port, his face Wrapp'd in disguise, is earnest for admission. Sif. Go, bid him enter Ha! wrapp'd in disguise! And at this unseasonable hour! [Exit OFFICER. Enter OSMOND, discovering himself. What! ha!-Earl Osmond, you?-Welcome, once more, To this glad roof! Would I could hope the king exceeds his promise! Our friend Goffredo, who commands the castle, Ripe for revolt, are in high ferment all. Sif. You cannot doubt, my lord, of my concur rence; But let us not precipitate the matter. Constantia's friends are numerous and strong; My generous Osmond, to avert these woes, And pray incessant for the tyrant's safety.What!-How! because an insolent invader, A sacrilegious tyrant, demands my wifeWhat! shall I tamely yield her up, Even in the manner you propose? verge, -Oh, then I were supremely vile! degraded ! shamed! The scorn of manhood! and abhorr'd of honour! Sif. There is, my lord, an honour, the calm child Of reason, of humanity, and mercy. Osm. My lord, my lord, I cannot brook your prudence ; It holds a pulse unequal to my blood- |