Page:Castruccio Castrucani.pdf/56

Which thou hast rescued; it must be for good:
Life's sweetest hopes return again with thee.
Mine once again—my own, long lost Claricha!
This very evening I reproach'd my fate;
To meet thee still the beautiful, the true,
And yet resign thee, was too hard a task!
I question'd with my honour, and I falter'd
In the stern path of right: but I am now
So happy, my Claricha!

CLARICHA.

Would I might ever make thy happiness!

CASTRUCCIO.

One word—where does my sweet one make her home?

CLARICHA.

With Count Arrezi.

CASTRUCCIO.

With mine enemy!

CLARICHA.

No longer such; henceforward bound to thee

By a free pardon.

CASTRUCCIO.

I cannot pardon him.

CLARICHA.

Not pardon him, Castruccio, for my sake?

CASTRUCCIO.

I cannot pardon him for Lucca's sake!

CLARICHA.

One moment hear me: oh! Castruccio, think

How kind the count has been; my one true friend!
An orphan—pity was my only claim;