Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/54

Clear as the day—and yet I doubt thee, Raimond!
Whether it be that I have learn'd distrust
From a long look thro' man's deep-folded heart;
Whether my paths have been so seldom cross'd
By honour and fair mercy, that they seem
But beautiful deceptions, meeting thus
My unaccustom'd gaze;—howe'er it be—
I doubt thee!—See thou waver not—take heed!
Time lifts the veil from all things![Exit Procida.

Rai. And 'tis thus
Youth fades from off our spirit; and the robes
Of beauty and of majesty, wherewith
We clothed our idols, drop!—O! bitter day,
When, at the crushing of our glorious world,
We start, and find men thus!—Yet be it so!
Is not my soul still powerful, in itself
To realize its dreams?—Ay, shrinking not
From the pure eye of heaven, my brow may well
Undaunted meet my father's.—But, away!
Thou shalt be saved, sweet Constance!—Love is yet
Mightier than vengeance. [Exit Raimond.

Scene III.—Gardens of a Palace.

Constance, alone.

Constance. There was a time when my thoughts wander'd not
Beyond these fairy scenes; when, but to catch
The languid fragrance of the southern breeze
From the rich-flowering citrons, or to rest,