Part 2 (1/2)

_Zan._ Hadst thou a thousand lives, thy death would please me.

Unhappy fate! my country overcome!

My six years' hope of vengeance quite expir'd!-- Would nature were--I will not fall alone: But others' groans shall tell the world my death. [_exit._

_Enter Leonora._

_Alon._ When nature ends with anguish like to this, Sinners shall take their last leave of the sun, And bid his light adieu.

_Leon._ The mighty conqueror Dismay'd! I thought you gave the foe your sorrows.

_Alon._ Oh, cruel insult! are those tears your sport, Which nothing but a love for you could draw?

Afric I quell'd, in hope by that to purchase Your leave to sigh unscorn'd; but I complain not; 'Twas but a world, and you are--Leonora.

_Leon._ That pa.s.sion which you boast of is your guilt, A treason to your friend. You think mean of me, To plead your crimes as motives of my love.

_Alon._ You, madam, ought to thank those crimes you blame!

'Tis they permit you to be thus inhuman, Without the censure both of earth and heav'n-- I fondly thought a last look might be kind.

Farewell for ever.--This severe behaviour Has, to my comfort, made it sweet to die.

_Leon._ Farewell for ever! Sweet to die! Oh, heav'n!

Alonzo, stay; you must not thus escape me; But hear your guilt at large.

_Alon._ Oh, Leonora!

What could I do?--In duty to my friend, I saw you; and to see is to admire.

For Carlos did I plead, and most sincerely.

Witness the thousand agonies it cost me.

You know I did; I sought but your esteem; If that is guilt, an angel had been guilty.

_Leon._ If from your guilt none suffer'd but yourself, It might be so--Farewell. [_going._

_Alon._ Who suffers with me?

_Leon._ Enjoy your ignorance, and let me go.

_Alon._ What mean these tears?

_Leon._ I weep by chance; nor have my tears a meaning.

But, oh, when first I saw Alonzo's tears, I knew their meaning well!

[_Alonzo falls on his knees, and takes her hand._

_Alon._ Heav'ns! what is this? that excellence, for which Desire was planted in the heart of man; Virtue's supreme reward on this side heav'n; The cordial of my soul--and this destroys me-- Indeed, I flatter'd me that thou didst hate.

_Leon._ Alonzo, pardon me the injury Of loving you. I struggled with my pa.s.sion, And struggled long: let that be some excuse.

_Alon._ Unkind! you know I think your love a blessing Beyond all human blessings! 'tis the price Of sighs and groans, and a whole year of dying.

But, oh, the curse of curses!--Oh, my friend!--