Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/372

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370
DE MONFORT: A TRAGEDY.

Has held the same discourse. I judge it not.
But you, my lord, who with the lady dwell,
You test can tell what her deportment speaks;
Whether her conduct and unguarded words
Belie such rumour.

(De Monfort pauses, staggers backwards, and sinks into a chair; then starting up hastily.)


De Mon. Where am I now? 'midst all the cursed thoughts
That on my soul like stinging scorpions prey'd,
This never came before——Oh, if it be!
The thought will drive me mad.—Was it for this
She urged her warm request on bended knee?
Alas! I wept, and thought of sister's love,
No damned love like this.
Fell devil! 'tis hell itself has lent thee aid
To work such sorcery! (Pauses,) I'll not believe it.
I must have proof clear as the noon-day sun
For such foul charge as this! Who waits without!
(Paces up and down furiously agitated.)

Grim. (Aside.) What have I done? I've carried this too far.
I've rous'd a fierce ungovernable madman.

Enter Jerome.


De Mon. (In a loud angry voice.) Where did she go, at such an early hour,
And with such slight attendance?

Jer. Of whom inquires your honour?