Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/90



Before this bitter hour, in the full strength And glory of my heart!

Oh! art thou found? —But yet, to find thee thus!—Chains, chains for thee? My brave, my noble love!—Off with these bonds; Let him be free as air:—for I am come To be your victim now.

Death has no pang More keen than this.—Oh! wherefore art thou here? I could have died so calmly, deeming thee Saved, and at peace.

At peace!—And thou hast thought Thus poorly of my love!—But woman's breast Hath strength to suffer too.—Thy father sits On this tribunal; Raimond, which is he?

My.father!—who hath lull'd thy gentle heart With that false hope?—Beloved! gaze around— See, if thine eye can trace a father's soul In the dark looks bent on us.

(After earnestly examining the countenances of the judges, falls at the feet of Procida.) Thou art he! Nay, turn thou not away!—for I beheld Thy proud lip quiver, and a watery mist Pass o'er thy troubled eye; and then I knew Thou wert his father!—Spare him!—take my life! In truth a worthless sacrifice for his,