Page:Castruccio Castrucani.pdf/59

Let his just anger cool; think you how false,
How vile has been Arrezi's part to-night!
With flattering words he pray'd Castruccio's presence,
Made his own child the lure, yet, in his heart,
Lurk'd the assassin, and he plann'd to make
His home—his sacred home—the place for murder!

CLARICHA.

It is too true—but he was urged by others.

CESARIO.

Lady, it does not justify our crime,

Saying that others prompted us to sin.

CLARICHA.

Alas! alas! I cannot think of him

But as he was to me—a kind old man,
The only friend my orphan girlhood knew.
Oh! I must see him; I must kneel and weep
Before his feet—he cannot pardon me—
Yet let me ask forgiveness. Gentle youth,
Conduct me to the prison.

CESARIO.

'Twill need an order to allow your entrance.

CLARICHA.

Seek ye Castruccio; he will not refuse,

And I, meanwhile, must weep and pray. Oh! Fate,
How thou dost mock us! I have met Castruccio,
The prayer of many years has been fulfill'd;
We love with that true love we vow'd at parting,
Yet my full heart sinks down with misery.
My kind—my only friend—oh! gentle youth,
Haste, for sweet pity's sake.[Exeunt.