Of these cursed white men, such a whoop of war, And like a frightful dream, whose end is death, Our foolish snake foretells his foe's destruction, - vengeance. [Exeunt. ACT II. Scene, the Spanish Prison. RAYMOND followed by an Officer. Raym. Your business is dispatch'd, sir. Offi. To wait upon you. Raym. I want no attendance: When I am bed-rid, I will send for you. I would be left alone: it is your business I was bid To see I do not starve, the rest is mine. (Exit Officer.) First they would soothe me: if that fails, 'tis like By violence they think to paralyse The holy powers of nature, but they shall find Shall bury in oblivion the foul wrong By which I'm here. Which of the devils art thou? Abd. The slave Abdallah. (Enter ABDALlah.) Raym. What the governor sent thee? R Raym. For what purpose? Abd. To be your slave too, To dance or sing to you, to bring you food A slave for I am master of myself. Thy dance or song may soothe me, and I thank thee; But for the other offices thou nam'st, Wert thou a dog, of but an hour's acquaintance, I would not so degrade thee. Hark! (The sound of a guitar without.) The sun is sunk beneath the wave, II. Does tangling forest yex thy way? Safe in my arms, you shall not rove, Until the morning dawns, my love, Raym. What can this mean? Is it her custom thus, Like Philomela, chusing solitude, To soothe the house of mourning, Abd. He bad her come and sing. Abd. She comes this way. Raym. I will be frank with her. Enter ALMANZA. No, her father, Alm. My father bids me tell you, that till sunset, Passing your honour you will then return, You are at liberty. Raym. I thank you, lady, For being freedom's hand-maid. Is that all? Was there no further purport in your visit? Alm. You have guess'd well My father's purpose, but these blushes, sir Are for his thoughts, not mine. I came, believe me, But by command. Raym. Hear then a simple tale, That to the purpose shall speak plain and full: I lay me down in absolute despair, So very sick at heart, that when at last But long I slept not; sudden in mine ear These accents softly whisper'd" Wake, poor man. |