Enter Eribert, Vittoria, Constance, and others.
Eribert. Welcome, my noble friends!—there must not lower
One clouded brow to-day in Sicily!
Behold my bride!
Nobles. Receive our homage, lady!
Vittoria. I bid all welcome. May the feast we offer
Prove worthy of such guests!
Eri. Look on her, friends!
And say, if that majestic brow is not
Meet for a diadem?
Vit. 'Tis well, my lord!
When memory's pictures fade, 'tis kindly done
To brighten their dimm'd hues!
1 Noble (apart.) Mark'd you her glance?
2 Noble. (apart.) What eloquent scorn was there! yet he, th' elate
Of heart, perceives it not.
Eri. Now to the feast!
Constance, you look not joyous. I have said
That all should smile to-day.
Con. Forgive me, brother!
The heart is wayward, and its garb of pomp
At times oppresses it.
Eri. Why, how is this?
Con. Voices of woe, and prayers of agony
Unto my soul have risen, and left sad sounds
There echoing still. Yet would I fain be gay,
