Shrunk eye, and fear bleach'd cheek, interpret for thee. What, I have over-task'd thy forward service? But like the air swoln bubble Vasq. Hear me a moment, Then let thine anger loose. I know this Valletort, And as it chanc'd one rude and boist❜rous night Whose angry billows soon entomb'd me round. Quick glanc'd across my mind, and quite unmann'd me. Ripe for the bloody deed. Mont. You'll do it then? Vasq. By all my future hopes I'll murder him, Or fall in the act. Mont. It must be done to-night. Vasq. This very instant; for till it be done I am rack'd with agony. Mont. Take then this dagger, And in some shady unfrequented nook, Where night is thickest, sheath it in his heart. Vasq. I know my place. Mont. Hie thee then to it quick. Good night, and shrink not. [Exit. Vasq. Good night, my lord, good night. Mont. Vasq. Oh, Valletort! when thou dost bid good night, How shall I answer thee? [Exit. ACT IV. Scene, the Street. Enter VASQUEZ. Vasq. This is the spot, and somewhere hereabouts He must pass homeward for a moment's pause: 'Twixt the commission of the foulest act That ever stain'd the records of the times, To dip this hand in blood! in innocent blood! The blood of human kind's! a friend's! pre server's! In the full ripeness of his summer youth To cut him off! "Tis such a deed, as any pitiless fiend Uncavern'd from the lowest depth of hell, Would start appall'd and shrink remorseful back White as the babes he slaughter'd!-But, Montano, And therefore tasks me to his bloody purpose: How to save him and yet not damn myself -(Pauses.) There is no other way it must be so, Hence to congenial darkness. (Throws away the dagger.) Good night to Vasquez, or my ear deceives me. Vasq. The same, thy mortal foe. Has she wrong'd thee? Vasq. Nay, she is good as beauteous. Vall. Vasq. I cannot answer thee! Stand on thy guard; I am thy sworn assassin: yet I've fought In fields where Mars look'd grim and terrible, And with a soldier's arm oppos'd to thine I will attempt thee fairly. Vall. Vasq. No more but this. Nay, but hear me. Nay, then, in self-defence, I draw: come on, and heav'n decide betwixt us. (They fight, VASQUEZ drops his own sword and runs upon that of VALLETORT's, and falls.) Vall. How fares it with you? Who have by hazard witness'd this adventure, Had I the breath to tell thee. Oh, Montano! Vall. Montano! what means that? (Dies.) Should she have plotted with him! never, neverMy unprotected wife! it must be so; Montano is a villain. Alm. Villainy Might here have other shafts in store for you. Accept a stranger's service. Vall. (Going.) I have not time [Exeunt. To thank you, sir; but cheerfully accept |