_Gasp._ (_aside_). One soul so pure redeems a world of sin! Thou Heav'n that I have mock'd, O hear me now, And spare! let her not feel the bitter pangs Of disappointed love! Draw the barb gently, That she may sigh her soul away, and sleep Throughout her passage to a better world! _Isid._ What say'st thou, Gaspar! _Gasp._ I call'd down blessings, loveliest, on thy head. Heav'n grant my prayers! _Isid._ I, too, have pray'd for thee, and will again! But speak to me. Why didst thou come so late? How short, methinks, are nights. There's hardly time For those who've toil'd, to gain their needful rest,-- For those who wake, to whisper half their love. _Gasp._ Night is our day, and day becomes our night; Love changes all, o'er nature rules supreme; Alters her seasons, mocks her wisest laws, And, like the prophet, checks the planet's course. But from this world of hate, the night has fled, And I must hie me hence. O Isidora! Though my seeming's doubtful, yet remember, 'Tis true as Heaven, I love thee! _Isid._ I'm sure thou dost, and feeling thus assured, I am content. _Enter Nina, hastily, from balcony._ _Nina._ Madam, the lady Inez pass'd your door, And, passing, tried the bolt, e'en now I hear Her footsteps in the corridor. _Isid._ We must away, dear Gaspar. Fare thee well! Nina shall tell thee when we next can meet. [_Exit Isidora and Nina at balcony._ _Gasp._ So parts the miser from his hoarded wealth, And eyes the casket when the keys are turn'd. I must away. The world e'en now awakes, and the wan moon (Like some tired sentinel, his vigil o'er) Sinks down beneath yon trees. The morning mist Already seeks the skies, ascending straight, Like infant's prayers, or souls of holy martyrs. I must away. The world will not revolve another hour, Ere hives of men will pour their millions forth, To seek their food by labour, or supply Their wants by plunder, flattery, or deceit. Avarice again will count the dream'd-of hoards, Envy and Rancour stab, whilst sobbing Charity Will bind the fest'ring wounds that they have giv'n. The world of sin and selfishness awakes Once more, to swell its catalogue of crime, So monstrous that it wearies patient Heav'n. I must away. [_Exit._ _Act II. Scene I._ _The street before Anselmo's lodgings._ _Enter Antonio._