SCENE FROM A PROJECTED DRAMA ON INEZ DE CASTRO
The Queen and Don Pedro
Queen. Oh God! That ever I should live to see
My only son in arms against his father.
Pedro. I know not whom you mean; I have no father.
Queen. I mean the King Alonzo.
Pedro. What, the man
Who killed my wife? With all my soul and strength
I curse that man, and curse myself as well
If e'er again I own him for my father,
If e'er again I own him for my King,
Or ever see his face except to slay him.
I curse the heritage that shall be mine
Long as he rules it.
Queen. Pedro! Pedro! Oh
Impious! Thou freezest up my soul with horror.
My only son in arms against his father.
Pedro. I know not whom you mean; I have no father.
Queen. I mean the King Alonzo.
Pedro. What, the man
Who killed my wife? With all my soul and strength
I curse that man, and curse myself as well
If e'er again I own him for my father,
If e'er again I own him for my King,
Or ever see his face except to slay him.
I curse the heritage that shall be mine
Long as he rules it.
Queen. Pedro! Pedro! Oh
Impious! Thou freezest up my soul with horror.
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