Part 12 (1/2)

_Leon._ Jealous! it sickens at my heart. Unkind, Ungen'rous, groundless, weak, and insolent!

Why, wherefore? on what shadow of occasion?

Oh, how the great man lessens to my thought!

How could so mean a vice as jealousy Live in a throng of such exalted virtues!

I scorn and hate, yet love him, and adore.

I cannot, will not, dare not, think it true, 'Till from himself I know it. [_exit._

_Zan._ This succeeds Just to my wish. Now she, with violence, Upbraids him; he, not doubting she is guilty, Rages no less; and if on either side The waves run high, there still lives hope of ruin.

_Re-enter Alonzo._

My lord--

_Alon._ Oh, Zanga, hold thy peace! I am no coward; But heav'n itself did hold my hand; I felt it, By the well-being of my soul, I did.

I'll think of vengeance at another season.

_Zan._ My lord, her guilt--

_Alon._ Perdition on thee, Moor, For that one word! Ah, do not rouse that thought!

I have o'erwhelm'd it much as possible: I tell thee, Moor, I love her to distraction.

If 'tis my shame, why, be it so--I love her; I could not hurt her to be lord of earth; It shocks my nature like a stroke from heav'n.

But see, my Leonora comes--Be gone. [_exit Zanga._

_Re-enter Leonora._

Oh, seen for ever, yet for ever new!

The conquer'd thou dost conquer o'er again, Inflicting wound on wound.

_Leon._ Alas, my lord!

What need of this to me?

_Alon._ Ha! dost thou weep?

_Leon._ Have I no cause?

_Alon._ If love is thy concern, Thou hast no cause: none ever lov'd like me.

Oh, that this one embrace would last for ever!

_Leon._ Could this man ever mean to wrong my virtue?

Could this man e'er design upon my life?

Impossible! I throw away the thought. [_aside._ These tears declare how much I taste the joy Of being folded in your arms and heart; My universe does lie within that s.p.a.ce.

This dagger bore false witness.

_Alon._ Ha, my dagger!

It rouses horrid images. Away, Away with it, and let us talk of love.

_Leon._ Of death!

_Alon._ As thou lov'st happiness--

_Leon._ Of murder!