Part 445 (1/2)

I bring another joy; My staff is green with flouris.h.i.+ng shoots.

DON CAESAR (taking him aside).

Oh, tell me Thy gladsome message.

MESSENGER.

All is happiness On this auspicious day; long sought, the lost one Is found.

DON CAESAR.

Discovered! Oh, where is she? Speak!

MESSENGER.

Within Messina's walls she lies concealed.

DON MANUEL (turning to the First SEMI-CHORUS).

A ruddy glow mounts in my brother's cheek, And pleasure dances in his sparkling eye; Whate'er the spring, with sympathy of love My inmost heart partakes his joy.

DON CAESAR (to the MESSENGER).

Come, lead me; Farewell, Don Manuel; to meet again Enfolded in a mother's arms! I fly To cares of utmost need.

[He is about to depart.

DON MANUEL.

Make no delay; And happiness attend thee!

DON CAESAR (after a pause of reflection, he returns).

How thy looks Awake my soul to transport! Yes, my brother, We shall be friends indeed! This hour is bright With glad presage of ever-springing love, That in the enlivening beam shall flourish fair, Sweet recompense of wasted years!

DON MANUEL.

The blossom Betokens goodly fruit.

DON CAESAR.

I tear myself Reluctant from thy arms, but think not less If thus I break this festal hour--my heart Thrills with a holy joy.

DON MANUEL (with manifest absence of mind).

Obey the moment!

Our lives belong to love.

DON CESAR.

What calls me hence----

DON MANUEL.

Enough! thou leav'st thy heart.

DON CAESAR.

No envious secret Shall part us long; soon the last darkening fold Shall vanish from my breast.

[Turning to the CHORUS.

Attend! Forever Stilled is our strife; he is my deadliest foe, Detested as the gates of h.e.l.l, who dares To blow the fires of discord; none may hope To win my love, that with malicious tales Encroach upon a brother's ear, and point With busy zeal of false, officious friends.h.i.+p.

The dart of some rash, angry word, escaped From pa.s.sion's heat; it wounds not from the lips, But, swallowed by suspicion's greedy ear, Like a rank, poisonous weed, embittered creeps, And hangs about her with a thousand shoots, Perplexing nature's ties.

[He embraces his brother again, and goes away accompanied by the Second CHORUS.

Chorus (CAJETAN).