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CASTRUCCIO CASTROCANI.
33


Since the green vineyards heard our youthful vow;
Hurried our parting word, and parting kiss,
But not less sacred. In my first career
Thou wert my hope, my star of enterprise—
When I look'd forward, 'twas to look to thee.

CLARICHA.

And now we meet, and know that we must part,

Unpitying fate! why met we not before?

CASTRUCCIO.

My exile was repeal'd, but ere I sought

My native city, I did seek for thee;
Instead of sunny welcome in thine eyes,
I found but desolation and despair:
Dark night, and its eternal echoes, gave
The only answer when I call'd thy name.

CLARICHA.

Oh! if we had but met.


CASTRUCCIO.

Fate mocks at us; a few brief hours suffice

To stand between us and our happiness,
Thenceforth I had those gentle hopes no more,
That make the spirit gentle where they dwell.
Lucca was then my all—I had no hopes
But for the glory of my native city;
To see her free and prosperous, became
Life's sole great object.

CLARICHA.

Not for my sake shall Lucca's hero pause

Upon his glorious path; not for my sake
Forget life's noblest duties.

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