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I dare not say I pardon thee, Claricha,
But take thy father's blessing; my last prayer
Shall be for thee!

CLARICHA.

Either I bring thy pardon, or I die;

I seek Castruccio: never will I rise
From kneeling at his feet, until I win
Forgiveness for my father. Once, again,
I pray thee bless me.

ARREZI.

Come to my heart? (They embrace.)

CLARICHA.

Now, pitying Heaven assist me.—[Exit.

CONFESSOR.

Let us now seek the inner cell, and pray.

ARREZI.

She must succeed; I feel

My heart beat quick with hope.—I follow thee.
[Exeunt.

Scene II.—Castruccio alone in his Chamber, writing.

CASTRUCCIO.

There is a heavy weight upon my heart

That I would fling aside, yet cannot fling;
But that I hold all such presentments vain,
I should think there was evil on this hour.
Yet where should be the evil? yonder star
That brings the golden promise of the day,
Is, as my fortunes, rising to their noon.
Victory bears my crimson banner onwards;