Page:Oriental Sketches Dramatic Sketches and Tales.pdf/200

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191

Giovanni.

                                    Not there! not there!
Invade not Eden; thou foul demon, back;
Dare not advance a single footstep, lest
My madness, my despair prevail, my heart
Forget its natural impulse, and my hand
Rid me, at once, of all I fear and hate.

Rosmunda.

    Thou shalt not fright me from my purposed way,
Even though the panting brutes thy strength restrains
Glare not with fury more implacable
Than flashes from thine eyes. Insatiate,
Eager for blood, let slip the leash; their fangs
Will execute the meditated deed,
And thou be free from murder.

Giovanni.

                                                  Thou art wise,
Prudent in counsel; thou may'st tempt me far
Beyond forbearance: faithful ministers,
Pursue the chace alone; away! away!