Rai.Yet why so long,
Ev'n as a stranger, hast thou cross'd my paths,
One nameless and unknown?—and yet I felt
Each pulse within me thrilling to thy voice.
Pro. Because I would not link thy fate with mine,
Till I could hail the day-spring of that hope
Which now is gathering round us.—Listen, youth!
Thou hast told me of a subdued, and scorn'd,
And trampled land, whose very soul is bow'd
And fashion'd to her chains:—but I tell thee
Of a most generous and devoted land,
A land of kindling energies; a land
Of glorious recollections!—proudly true
To the high memory of her ancient kings,
And rising, in majestic scorn, to cast
Her alien bondage off!
Rai.And where is this?
Pro. Here, in our isle, our own fair Sicily!
Her spirit is awake, and moving on,
In its deep silence mightier, to regain
Her place amongst the nations; and the hour
Of that tremendous effort is at hand.
Rai. Can it be thus indeed?—Thou pour'st new life
Thro' all my burning veins!—I am as one
Awakening from a chill and death-like sleep
To the full glorious day.
Pro.Thou shalt hear more!
Thou shalt hear things which would,—which will arouse
The proud, free spirits of our ancestors
E'en from their marble rest. Yet mark me well!
