"die by my own hand: that righteous vengeance must "be mine. Mean time, forbid the villain's entrance "to my house. As to her who was once my wife, let "her go to her father's, to whom I have written; "leaving it to him to vindicate her virtue, or conceal "her shame. I am in too much confusion to add more. "SIFROY." This is enough-by Heaven! I sought no more. Rag. All wild he raves, That honour should forbid to quit his charge. Glan. We must prepare For his arrival; well I know his rage Will burst all bounds of prudence. Thou, my friend, (For from the hour which shall complete our business, Thy servitude shall cease) be diligent To watch all accidents, and well improve Whatever chance may rise. Rag. Trust to my care. Glan. Now, Isabella! now th' important hour To prove my truth, arises to my wish. No longer shalt thou live the humble friend 3 [Exit. Of this Cleone, but, her equal born, Shalt rise by me to grace an equal sphere. Art blinded by the semblance she displays Isab. I go; but still my heart Beats anxious, lest the truth of thy suspicions Should fail of proof. Glan. Fear nothing, I'm secure.— [Exit Isabella. Fond, easy fool! whom for my use alone, Not pleasure, I've ensnar'd; thou little dream'st, That fir'd with fair Cleone's heaven of charms, I burn for their enjoyment. There, there too, Defeat the first warm hopes that fir'd my bosom. The power which her deluded lord hath given, SCENE III. [Exit. Changes to another Room. Enter CLEONE, and a Servant. Cle. Paulet! my husband's friend! give him admittance / His friendship sympathizes with my love, Cheers me by talking of my absent lord, Enter PAULET. Pau. Still do these low'ring clouds of sorrow shade Cleone's brow, and sadden all her hours Cle, Ah Paulet! have I not just cause to mourn? C Three tedious years have past since these sad eyes Of horrid war still frowns upon my hopes. Pau. The fate of war, 'tis true, hath long detain'd My noble friend from your fond arms and mine : But his redoubted sword by this last stroke Must soon reduce the foe to sue for peace. The gallant chief who led the barbarous host, And was himself their soul, is fallen in battle, Slain by the valiant hand of your Sifroy. Cle. To me, alas, his courage seems no virtue: Dead to all joy, but what his safety gives, To every hope, but that of his return, I dread the danger which his valour seeks, And tremble at his glory. O good Heaven! Restore him soon to these unhappy arms, Or much I fear, they'll never more enfold him. Pau. What means Cleone? No new danger can Affright you for my friend. I fear your breast Beats with the dread of some impending ill, Threatening yourself. Now, by the love that binds My heart to your Sifroy, let me a treat, If my assistance can avail you aught, That, to the utmost hazard of my life, You will command my service. Cle. Kind Heaven, I thank thee! My Sifroy hath One faithful friend. O Paulet-but to thee, The many virtues that adorn the mind Of my lov'd lord, and made me once so blest, 'Twere needless to display. In mine alone ye His happiness was plac'd; no grief, no care O my Sifroy! when, when wilt thou return? Pau. What danger thus alarms Cleone's fear? you know Pau. Sure you suspect not him of base designs! He wears the semblance of much worth and honour. Cle. So to the eye the speckled serpent wears A shining beauteous form; but deep within, Foul stings and deadly poisons lurk unseen. O Paulet, this smooth serpent hath so crept Into the bosom of Sifroy, so wound Himself about my love's unguarded heart, That he believes him harmless as a dove. Pau. Good Heaven, if thou abhorr'st deceit, why suffer A villain's face to wear the look of virtue ? Who would have thought his loose desires had flown So high a pitch ?-Have you imparted aught Of his attempts to Isabella? Cle. No. |