I'll tell thee thou'rt deceived; false Julian
Now revels in the love of Veronica.
Thy long-protracted absence was a test
Too great for human nature; passion grew;
Youth, beauty, opportunity, combined
To snap the bonds of honour; rumour broached
The tale abroad; there's not a page at court
Who has not seen the pressure of the hand,
The soft caress, the gentle whisper pass,
And Julian sigh, and Veronica smile.
Sforza.
It may be possible, I sink so low
Beneath the worth of Julian; her eye
Might note his form superior, her soul
Pay homage to the virtues which exceed,
Far, far exceed my efforts; and what man
Could coldly turn from Veronica? Gods
Have quitted heaven to woo less lovely maids;
Angels have fallen when strongly tempted; then
Julian is blameless. I will yield her up;
