Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/76



What! should she be spared To keep that name from perishing on earth? —I cross'd them in their path, and raised my sword To smite her in her champion's arms.—We fought— The boy disarm'd me!—And I live to tell My shame, and wreak my vengeance!

Who but he Could warn De Couci, or devise the guilt These scrolls reveal?—Hath not the traitor still Sought, with his fair and specious eloquence, To win us from our purpose?—All things seem Leagued to unmask him.

Know you not there came, E'en in the banquet's hour, from this De Couci, One, bearing unto Eribert the tidings Of all our purposed deeds?—And have we not Proof, as the noon-day clear, that Raimond loves The sister of that tyrant?

There was one Who mourn'd for being childless!—Let him now Feast o'er his children's graves, and I will join The revelry!

(apart.) You shall be childless too!

Was 't you, Montalba?—Now rejoice! I say. There is no name so near you that its stains Should call the fever'd and indignant blood To your dark cheek!—But I will dash to earth The weight that presses on my heart, and then Be glad as thou art.