Page:Oriental Sketches Dramatic Sketches and Tales.pdf/133

Rh

The gates of Naples; one sweet hour we spent, Renewing every promise, every oath Of truth and constancy. Hast thou not heard Aught to alarm thy fears? hast thou not seen Aught to convince thee that a woman's love. Is light, and friendship easily effaced When strong temptation offers? None have dared To breathe one venomed slander on mine ear, One well-framed falsehood of my angel love, Or my brave matchless friend; and none will dare: For whatsoe'er his rank, Prince Angelo, I'd strike the base calumniator dead.

If thou wilt brand the truth with falsehood's name, Now draw thy sword, and sheathe it in my breast; For in my dying pangs, with honest zeal,