Part 2 (1/2)

DON MANUEL.

Say not so!

Who doubts thy n.o.ble heart, knows thee not well; The words were prouder, if thy soul were mean.

DON CAESAR.

It burns indignant at the thought of wrong-- But thou--methinks--in pa.s.sion's fiercest mood, 'Twas aught but scorn that harbored in thy breast.

DON MANUEL.

Oh! had I known thy spirit thus to peace Inclined, what thousand griefs had never torn A mother's heart!

DON CAESAR.

I find thee just and true: Men spoke thee proud of soul.

DON MANUEL.

The curse of greatness!

Ears ever open to the babbler's tale.

DON CAESAR.

Thou art too proud to meanness--I to falsehood!

DON MANUEL.

We are deceived, betrayed!

DON CAESAR.

The sport of frenzy!

DON MANUEL.

And said my mother true, false is the world?

DON CAESAR.

Believe her, false as air.

DON MANUEL.

Give me thy hand!

DON CAESAR.

And thine be ever next my heart!

[They stand clasping each other's hands, and regard each other in silence.

DON MANUEL.

I gaze Upon thy brow, and still behold my mother In some dear lineament.

DON CAESAR.

Her image looks From thine, and wondrous in my bosom wakes Affection's springs.

DON MANUEL.

And is it thou?--that smile Benignant on thy face?--thy lips that charm With gracious sounds of love and dear forgiveness?

DON CAESAR.