As his memory ran o'er them, "All I saw, beyond a doubt Was a dream." If this exposeth My delusion, if I know That desire is but the glowing Of a flame that turns to ashes At the softest wind that bloweth; Let us seek then the eternal, The true fame that ne'er reposeth, Where the bliss is not a dream, Nor the crown a fleeting glory. Without honour is Rosaura. But it is a prince's province To give honour, not to take it: Then, by Heaven! it is her honour That for her I must win back, Ere this kingdom I can conquer. Let us fly then this temptation. [To the Soldiers. 'Tis too strong: To arms! March onward! For to-day I must give battle, Ere descending night, the golden Sunbeams of expiring day Buries in the dark green ocean. ROSAURA. Dost thou thus, my lord, withdraw thee? What! without a word being spoken? Does my pain deserve no pity? Does my grief so little move thee? Can it be, my lord, thou wilt not Deign to hear, to look upon me? Dost thou even avert thy face? SIGISMUND. Ah, Rosaura, 'tis thy honour That requires this harshness now, If my pity I would show thee. Yes, my voice does not respond, 'Tis my honour that respondeth; True I speak not, for I wish That my actions should speak for me; Thee I do not look on, no, For, alas! it is of moment, That he must not see thy beauty Who is pledged to see thy honour. [Exit followed by the Soldiers. ROSAURA. What enigmas, O ye skies! After many a sigh and tear, Thus in doubt to leave me here With equivocal replies! * * * * * SCENE XI. CLARIN and ROSAURA. CLARIN. Madam, is it visiting hour? ROSAURA. Welcome, Clarin, where have you been? CLARIN. Only four stout walls between In an old enchanted tower; Death was on the cards for me, But amid the sudden strife Ere the last trump came, my life Won the trick and I got free. I ne'er hoped to sound again. ROSAURA. Why? CLARIN. Because alone I know Who you are: And this being so, Learn, Clotaldo is . . . . . This strain Puts me out. [Drums are heard. ROSAURA. What can it be? CLARIN. From the citadel at hand, Leagured round, an armed band As to certain victory Sallies forth with flags unfurled. ROSAURA. 'Gainst Prince Sigismund! and I, Coward that I am, not by To surprise and awe the world, When with so much cruelty Each on each the two hosts spring! [Exit. * * * * * SCENE XII. CLARIN; and Soldiers within. Voices of some. Live, long live our victor King! Voices of others. Live, long live our liberty!