Part 444 (1/2)

[She goes away; the BROTHERS stand as before.

Chorus (CAJETAN).

How have her words with soft control Resistless calmed the tempest of my soul!

No guilt of kindred blood be mine!

Thus with uplifted hands I prey; Think, brothers, on the awful day, And tremble at the wrath divine!

DON CAESAR (without taking his eyes from the ground).

Thou art my elder--speak--without dishonor I yield to thee.

DON MANUEL.

One gracious word, an instant, My tongue is rival in the strife of love!

DON CAESAR.

I am the guiltier--weaker----

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.