Part 17 (1/2)

_Bep._ Tell me, Antonio. Should Don Felix not prevail, a woman's vengeance yet may reach Don Gaspar. Antonio, do tell me where they meet.

_Ant._ It is a secret.

_Bep._ But I must know. There is nothing I would not give to win this secret from you. Antonio, you must tell me.

_Ant._ That I cannot, I made a promise. (_Puts his hand to his heart._)

_Bep._ (_scornfully._) You made a promise. I know your promises too well. What will you sell this secret for?

_Ant._ My purse of ten moidores!

_Bep._ Then you shall have it. But will you tell it truly?

_Ant._ Honour! when I have the money.

_Bep._ (_Takes out purse and throws it at him._) Then, there it is. I believe that you will keep a roguish contract, although no other.

_Ant._ You're right. They meet at sunset under the copse of trees where Perez fell.

_Bep._ The copse of trees where Perez fell! Does he not fear his ghost?

No, he fears nothing. Breaking the hearts of women, and piercing those of men, is all the same to this fell Gaspar. Well, I have bought your secret, and will make good use of it.

_Ant._ Had you not known that it was a marketable commodity, you never had purchased it. You'll turn a penny, never fear. I must unto my master's lodgings. [_Exit._

_Bep._ Yes, to follow thy old trade of pilfering. I must unto my lady, and bear her this intelligence. Thus will I rouse the woman in her, and urge her to revenge. [_Exit._

_Scene IV._

_A Room in the Guzman Palace._

_Enter Nina, ushering in Don Gaspar._

Stay here, senor. You'll not be long alone. [_Exit Nina._

_Gasp._ Thus am I hurried, by resistless love, To follow that I never can obtain.

I love thee, Isidora, dote upon thee, There's not a boiling drop within these veins I'd not pour out, could it but make thee happy.

And yet I 'gainst my better reason plunge, Dragging thee with me deep into perdition.

A monk, and marry! 'Tis impossible!

Each time I quit her, then do I resolve Never to see her more; yet one hour's absence Kills my resolution, and each moment Seems an eternity, till in her presence Vows I repeat, that vows alone make false.

'Tis not in human nature to withstand Against such strong temptation,-- To fold her in my arms--inhale her breath, Kiss tears away, neither of grief nor joy, But from both fountains equally o'erflowing-- Oh! 'tis a bliss indeed, to gain which Angels might leave their bright cerulean home, And barter their eternal heaven of joy.

_Enter Donna Inez. Gaspar advances quickly to her, thinking it is Isidora, but finding his mistake stops abruptly, and bows to Donna Inez._

_Inez._ Don Gaspar--for 'tis so I hear you're styled-- Hither you came in ardent expectation Of meeting one more suited to your age, My beauteous niece, the Donna Isidora.

Now would I have some conference with one Who by insidious means hath gain'd her heart, Yet shrouds himself in mystery: she has placed Her fortunes in my hands--she resigns her all, To me confiding to unlock your secret.

When once you're manifest and fully known, A task which must precede, senor, it will decide Whether I join your hands and bless your union, Or curse the fatal day she first beheld you!

_Gasp._ Madam, I thank you much, I'll speak directly.

But I'm so overcome with wretchedness, Your kindness must bear with me.

You ask me who I am--a question fair, As fairly answer'd now--I cannot tell.