Part 452 (1/2)

CAJETAN.

Thy looks But move my scorn; the compact I obey.

BOHEMUND.

The coward's ready s.h.i.+eld!

CAJETAN.

Come on! I follow.

BOHEMUND.

To arms!

BEATRICE (in the greatest agitation).

Their falchions gleam--the strife begins!

Ye heavenly powers, his steps refrain! Some snare Throw round his feet, that in this hour of dread He come not: all ye angels, late implored To give him to my arms, reverse my prayers; Far, far from hence convey the loved one!

[She runs into the alcove. At the moment when the two Choruses are about to engage, DON MANUEL appears.

DON MANUEL, the Chorus.

DON MANUEL.

What do I see!

First Chorus to the Second (CAJETAN, BERENGAR, MANFRED).

Come on! Come on!

Second Chorus (BOHEMUND, ROGER, HIPPOLYTE).

Down with them!

DON MANUEL (stepping between them with drawn sword).

Hold!

CAJETAN.

'Tis the prince!

BOHEMUND.

Be still!

DON MANUEL.

I stretch him dead Upon this verdant turf that with one glance Of scorn prolongs the strife, or threats his foe!

Why rage ye thus? What maddening fiend impels To blow the flames of ancient hate anew, Forever reconciled? Say, who began The conflict? Speak----

First Chorus (CAJETAN, BERENGAR).

My prince, we stood----

Second Chorus (ROGER, BOHEMUND) interrupting them.

They came

DON MANUEL (to the First Chorus).

Speak thou!

First Chorus (CAJETAN).

With wreaths adorned, in festal train, We bore the bridal gifts; no thought of ill Disturbed our peaceful way; composed forever With holy pledge of love we deemed your strife, And trusting came; when here in rude array Of arms encamped they stood, and loud defied us!