Page:Castelvines y Monteses Translated.pdf/93

72 With poignard point at breast, and bated breath, Slow sliding o'er the blood-stain'd grass Dies Thisbe; and so 'mid lovers holds The palm for purest love. For me, nor fire, nor cord, nor poison'd bowl— One single shock shall free the deathless soul!

Celia. With Aurelio, lady, did I speak, and in his hand Your letter placed.

Julia. He read it?

Celia. He did.

Julia. Scann'd he each word?

Celia. Yes, dear lady; and my grief was great To see Aurelio weep, for at each word He read, a bitter sigh escaped his breast. His cell he enter'd, and when an hour had gone Return'd, and in my hand this phial placed, And said that thou should'st drink the juice It doth contain. So spake Aurelio, lady.

Julia. I did write that I would die by steel Or cord, ere I, Roselo's wife, would Paris wed, Celia, he knows our love, and knows that when I penn'd those blotted lines, my life Did hang upon a chance, and now distils As comfort to my breaking heart nought But some harmless sweet confection.

Celia. Thou knowest, lady, he's well skill'd In subtlety of herb and poisonous weed, And hath a fame more wide than all Verona holds.