Page:Castruccio Castrucani.pdf/30

To save our homes; but to the chief Arrezi
I owe my life, and, placed by him, I dwelt
Long with a noble lady of his house,
Who loved me like the children she had lost.

CASTRUCCIO.

The Count Arrezi! strange we never met.

CLARICHA.

I have not been three days in Lucca—death

Left me once more alone in this cold world.
Again the Count Arrezi was my friend,
And placed me with his daughter, who is soon
To wed the Count Castruccio.

CASTRUCCIO.

I am he.

CLARICHA.

Amino!

CASTRUCCIO.

Oh, breathe that name again—let it recall

All that my youth once dream'd of hope and love!
Or rather let me hear that name no more,
It is the death-knell of all happiness.

CLARICHA.

Alas, I dare not question; yet, one word—

Have you forgotten me?

CASTRUCCIO.

Forgotten what was dearest to my soul!

CLARICHA.

Alas, how may that be, if Count Castruccio

And my Amino be the same?

CASTRUCCIO.

Evil and bitter were my early years: