Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/54



Clear as the day—and yet I doubt thee, Raimond! Whether it be that I have learn'd distrust From a long look thro' man's deep-folded heart; Whether my paths have been so seldom cross'd By honour and fair mercy, that they seem But beautiful deceptions, meeting thus My unaccustom'd gaze;—howe'er it be— I doubt thee!—See thou waver not—take heed! Time lifts the veil from all things![Exit Procida.

And 'tis thus Youth fades from off our spirit; and the robes Of beauty and of majesty, wherewith We clothed our idols, drop!—O! bitter day, When, at the crushing of our glorious world, We start, and find men thus!—Yet be it so! Is not my soul still powerful, in itself To realize its dreams?—Ay, shrinking not From the pure eye of heaven, my brow may well Undaunted meet my father's.—But, away! Thou shalt be saved, sweet Constance!—Love is yet Mightier than vengeance. [Exit Raimond.

There was a time when my thoughts wander'd not Beyond these fairy scenes; when, but to catch The languid fragrance of the southern breeze From the rich-flowering citrons, or to rest,