GARC. I know it, but alas! merciless fate opposes such a well intentioned plan; in spite of all my endeavours, it continually lays a snare for me, which my heart cannot avoid. It is not because the ungrateful woman, in the presence of my rival, avowed her love for him, and not for me; and that with such an excess of tenderness, that it is impossible I can ever forget her cruelty. But as too much ardour led me to believe erroneously that she had introduced him into this place, I should be very much annoyed if I left upon her mind the impression that she has any just cause of complaint against me. Yes, if I am abandoned, it shall be only through her faithlessness; for as I have come to beg her pardon for my impetuosity, she shall have no excuse for ingratitude. EL. Give a little time for her resentment to cool, and do not see her again so soon, my Lord. GARC. Ah! if you love me, induce her to see me; she must grant me that permission; I do not leave this spot until her cruel disdain at least.... EL. Pray, my Lord, defer this purpose. GARC. No; make no more idle excuses. EL. (_Aside_). The Princess herself must find means to send him away, if she says but one word to him. (_To Don Garcia_). Stay here, my Lord, I shall go and speak to her. GARC. Tell her that I instantly dismissed the person whose information was the cause of my offence, that Don Lopez shall never... SCENE VII.--DON GARCIA, DON ALVAREZ. GARC. (_Looking in at the door which Eliza left half open_). What do I see, righteous Heavens! Can I believe my eyes? Alas! they are, doubtless, but too faithful witnesses; this is the most terrible of all my great troubles! This fatal blow completely overwhelms me! When suspicions raged within me, it was Heaven itself, vaguely but ominously foretelling me this horrible disgrace. ALV. What have you seen, my Lord, to disturb you? GARC. I have seen what I can hardly conceive; the overthrow of all creation would less astonish me than this accident. It is all over with me ... Fate ... I cannot speak. [Footnote: The words from "What have you seen" till "I cannot speak," are with some slight alterations, found in the _Misanthrope_, Act iv., Scene 2 (see Vol. II).] ALV. My Lord, endeavour to be composed. GARC. I have seen... Vengeance! O Heaven! ALV. What sudden alarm...? GARC. It will kill me, Don Alvarez, it is but too certain. ALV. But, my Lord, what can... GARC. Alas! Everything is undone. I am betrayed, I am murdered! [Footnote: The last sentences of Don Alvarez and Don Garcia are also found in the _Misanthrope_, Act iv., Scene 2 (see Vol. II).] A man, (can I say it and still live) a man in the arms of the faithless Elvira! ALV. The Princess, my Lord, is so virtuous... GARC. Ah, Don Alvarez, do not gainsay what I have seen. It is too much to defend her reputation, after my eyes have beheld so heinous an action.