Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/62



Welcome, my noble friends!—there must not lower One clouded brow to-day in Sicily! Behold my bride!

Receive our homage, lady!

I bid all welcome. May the feast we offer Prove worthy of such guests!

Look on her, friends! And say, if that majestic brow is not Meet for a diadem?

'Tis well, my lord! When memory's pictures fade, 'tis kindly done To brighten their dimm'd hues!

(apart.) Mark'd you her glance?

(apart.) What eloquent scorn was there! yet he, th' elate Of heart, perceives it not.

Now to the feast! Constance, you look not joyous. I have said That all should smile to-day.

Forgive me, brother! The heart is wayward, and its garb of pomp At times oppresses it.

Why, how is this?

Voices of woe, and prayers of agony Unto my soul have risen, and left sad sounds There echoing still. Yet would I fain be gay,