Page:Dramas 2.pdf/26

COUNTESS (sinking back into a chair).

It was to me unknown.

(After a long pause.) Dear, dear! the friend, the brother of my heart,

The playmate of my early, happy days,

Could such a fate be thine!
It makes me weep to think it possible,
Yet I believe it not.

SOPHERA.

You tremble much.

COUNTESS.

I'm cold and chill: 'tis weariness of body;

Do not regard it; I shall soon be better.
(Trumpet sounds without.)
A trumpet! then some martial guest approaches.
O most unwelcome!

SOPHERA.

'Tis Tortona's Marquis.

COUNTESS.

He is not in these parts; it cannot be.

SOPHERA.

He is upon his march with some gay troops

To join the army, and hath made a halt
Here in our nearest town to rest his men.
So said his servant, whom I found this morning
Lurking within the castle; and I guess
His warlike lord is come.