Page:Castelvines y Monteses Translated.pdf/121

100 Julia. Hast thou forgotten all, that thou canst doubt Thy daughter's voice?

Antonio. Where art thou, child, and what thy wish?

Julia. From the bright world of seraphims I come To hold discourse with thee.

Antonio. Sweet child, thy words I hear, but seeming night Doth cheat me of thy face the sight.

Julia. Darest thou to look upon the form I bear?

Antonio. No, I should die; speak, say on.

Julia. 'Twas thee alone who caused my death.

Antonio. I caused thy death, oh heavens! how!

Julia. Didst not seek to wed me 'gainst my will?

Antonio. I did advise as seemed best.

Julia. Count Paris did deserve a noble bride, But Love permits not wives to wed.

Antonio. The blame indeed was thine; such tardy truth As that thou now dost speak Should have been then discoursed. Oh Julia! why not have prattled:— Father mine, I am a weak and wayward girl, Have set thy will at naught, Love's fetters outweigh gold, both scales and all. Thou shouldst have pardon sought, I with thy falling rain of tears soon bought. Thy choice would be of no ignoble blood, I trow, For thou the Phœnix of all virtue art, I know.

Julia. Had my choice been of more ignoble blood, I had thy blessing and forgiveness sought; But fortune gave me such a noble love, I dared not. To him Aurelio wedded me, Breathing all holy blessings of the church; For two short months I knew this bliss.