Page:The great Galeoto; Folly or saintliness; two plays done from the verse of José Echegaray into English prose by Hannah Lynch (IA greatgaleotofoll00echerich).djvu/127

 What do you expect me to do, if not return and chastise you, and brand you as a coward?

. Me?

. Precisely.

. No!

. He has brought it on himself. I have seen him lift his hand in anger to you—you, you! So now [Seizes Don Severo violently.]

. You impudent puppy!

. True, but I'll not release you. You loved and respected your mother, I presume. For that reason you must respect Teodora, and humbly bow before a sorrow so immense as hers. This woman, sir, is purer, more honest than the mother of such a man as you.

. This to me?

. Yes, and I have not yet done.

. Your life

. Oh, my life, as much as you like—but afterwards. [Teodora endeavours to part them, but he pushes her gently away, without releasing Don Severo.] You believe in a God—in a Maker—in hope. Well, then, as you bend your knee before the altar of that God above, so will I compel you to kneel to Teodora,—and that instantly, sir. Down—in the dust.

. For mercy's sake

. To the ground! [Forces Don Severo to kneel.]

. Enough, Ernest.

. A thousand thunders.

. At her feet!

. You! 87