Part 460 (1/2)

ISABELLA (interrupting him).

Thou hast kept thy word.

My son; to thee I owe the rescued one; Yes, thou hast sent her----

DON CAESAR (in astonishment).

Whom, my mother, sayst thou, That I have sent?

ISABELLA.

She stands before thine eyes-- Thy sister.

DON CAESAR.

She! My sister?

ISABELLA.

Ay, What other?

DON CAESAR.

My sister!

ISABELLA.

Thou hast sent her to me!

DON CAESAR.

Horror!

His sister, too!

CHORUS.

Woe! woe!

BEATRICE.

Alas! my mother!

ISABELLA.

Speak! I am all amaze!

DON CASAR.

Be cursed the day When I was born!

ISABELLA.

Eternal powers!

DON CAESAR.

Accursed The womb that bore me; cursed the secret arts, The spring of all this woe; instant to crush thee, Though the dread thunder swept--ne'er should this arm Refrain the bolts of death: I slew my brother!

Hear it and tremble! in her arms I found him; She was my love, my chosen bride; and he-- My brother--in her arms! Thou hast heard all!

If it be true--oh, if she be my sister-- And his! then I have done a deed that mocks The power of sacrifice and prayers to ope The gates of mercy to my soul!

Chorus (BOHEMUND).