GARC. Ah! Madam, you may believe me; it is enough that what is promised to you ought always to be kept, because the happiness of obeying the being one worships ought to render easy the greatest efforts. May Heaven declare eternal war against me; may its thunder strike me dead at your feet; or, what would be even worse than death, may your wrath be poured upon me, if ever my love descends to such weakness as to fail in the promise I have given, if ever any jealous transport of my soul...! SCENE IV.--DONNA ELVIRA, DON GARCIA, DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA, A PAGE _presenting a letter to Donna Elvira_. ELV. I was very anxious about this letter, I am very much obliged to you; let the messenger wait. SCENE V.--DONNA ELVIRA, DON GARCIA, DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA. ELV. (_Low and aside_). I see already by his looks that this letter disturbs him. What a wonderfully jealous temper he has! (_Aloud_). What stops you, Prince, in the midst of your oath. GARC. I thought you might have some secret together; I was unwilling to interrupt you. ELV. It seems to me that you reply in a much altered voice; I see all of a sudden a certain wildness in your looks; this abrupt change surprises me. What can be the cause of it? May I know? GARC. A sudden sickness at heart. ELV. Such illnesses have often more serious consequences than one believes; some immediate remedy would be necessary; but, tell me, have you often such attacks? GARC. Sometimes. ELV. Alas, weak-minded Prince! Here, let this writing cure your distemper; it is nowhere but in the mind. GARC. That writing, Madam! No, I refuse to take it. I know your thoughts and what you will accuse me of, if... ELV. Read it, I tell you, and satisfy yourself. GARC. That you may afterwards call me weak-minded and jealous? No, no, I will prove that this letter gave me no umbrage, and though you kindly allow me to read it, to justify myself, I will not do so. ELV. If you persist in your refusal, I should be wrong to compel you; it is sufficient, in short, as I have insisted upon it, to let you see whose hand it is. GARC. I ought always to be submissive to you; if it is your pleasure I should read it for you, I will gladly do so. ELV. Yes, yes, Prince, here it is; you shall read it for me. GARC. I only do so, Madam, in obedience to your commands, and I may say... ELV. Whatever you please; but pray make haste. GARC. It comes from Donna Inez, I perceive. ELV. It does, and I am glad of it, both for your sake and mine.