SIGISMUND. Who dares To ask of me do I respect white hairs? Your own some day My feet may trample in the public way, For I have not as yet revenged my wrong, Your treatment so unjust and my sad state so long. [Exit.] BASILIUS. But ere that dawn doth break, You must return to sleep, where when you wake All that hath happened here will seem -- As is the glory of the world -- a dream. [Exeunt The King, CLOTALDO, and Attendants.] * * * * * SCENE X. ESTRELLA and ASTOLFO ASTOLFO. Ah, how rarely fate doth lie When it some misfortune threatens!* Dubious when 'tis good that's promised, When 'tis evil, ah, too certain!-- What a good astrologer Would he be, whose art foretelleth Only cruel things; for, doubtless, They would turn out true for ever! This in Sigismund and me Is exemplified, Estrella, Since between our separate fortunes Such a difference is presented. In his case had been foreseen Murders, miseries, and excesses, And in all they turned out true, Since all happened as expected. But in mine, here seeing, lady, Rays so rare and so resplendent That the sun is but their shadow. And even heaven a faint resemblance, When fate promised me good fortune, Trophies, praises, and all blessings, It spoke ill and it spoke well; For it was of both expressive, When it held out hopes of favour, But disdain alone effected. [footnote] *The vocal asonante in e--e here commences, and continues to the end of the Sixteenth Scene. ESTRELLA. Oh, I doubt not these fine speeches Are quite true, although intended Doubtless for that other lady, She whose portrait was suspended From your neck, when first, Astolfo, At this Court here you addressed me. This being so, 'tis she alone Who these compliments deserveth. Go and pay them to herself, For like bills that are protested In the counting-house of love, Are those flatteries and finesses Which to other kings and ladies Have been previously presented. * * * * * SCENE XI. ROSAURA, who remains at the side; ESTRELLA, and ASTOLFO. ROSAURA [aside]. Well, thank God, my miseries Have attained their lowest level, Since by her who sees this sight Nothing worse can be expected. ASTOLFO. Then that portrait from my breast Shall be taken, that thy perfect Beauty there may reign instead. For where bright Estrella enters Shadow cannot be, or star Where the sun; I go to fetch it.-- [Aside.] Pardon, beautiful Rosaura, This offence; the absent never, Man or woman, as this shows, Faith of plighted vows remember. [Exit.] [ROSAURA comes forward.] ROSAURA [aside]. Not a single word I heard, Being afraid they might observe me. ESTRELLA. Oh, Astrea! ROSAURA. My good lady! ESTRELLA. Nothing could have pleased me better Than your timely coming here. I have something confidential To entrust you with. ROSAURA. You honour Far too much my humble service.