_Gasp._ Yes, I'll robe myself as holy monk. They dare not strike, even though they have suspicion. You may go. I shall not return to-night. [_Exit Antonio._ Scoundrel!--he is too cunning to believe me-- Yet still I have the secret of his wives. (_Muses._) This night I have discover'd the base Perez Again essays his most inconstant fair, Blind as inconstant. She rejected me When, as Friar Anselmo teaching music, I offer'd her--'tis true, unholy love; And I by Perez was thrust out with shame, Spurn'd with contumely as the door was closed, With threats if ever I appear'd again, To blazon forth my impious attempt, and-- Yet did she cozen me with melting eyes, And first roused up the demon in my breast, Then laugh'd in malice.----I hate her for it! Now as Don Gaspar, I've supplanted him, Pride and revenge, not love, impelling me; These gratified, I would shake off a chain Which now, in amorous violence, she'd rivet. Further, Don Perez, in his jealous mood, Has as Don Gaspar braved me. They shall find, I hold life cheap when I would have revenge! [_Exit._ _Scene IV._ _A garden near the house of Donna Serafina, which is in the back of the scene.--A balcony.--Enter Gaspar in a friar's dress, over that of a cavalier._ I pass'd them, and they bow'd unto my blessing. Why, what a world of treachery is this! Who would imagine that this holy robe, Professing but humility and love, Conceal'd the cavalier, swelling in pride, Seeking revenge, and thirsting for hot blood? Off with this first disguise! (_Throws off friar's gown._) What then appears? A fair proportion, more deceiving still. ----In holy garb I fret within my cell, Sigh for the joyous world I have renounced, And spurn the creed which hath immured me there. When like the chrysalis I 'scape my prison, And range a free and garish butterfly, I find the world so hollow, base, and vile, That, in my mood, I hasten back once more, With thoughts of never wand'ring forth again, But, see,--Don Perez comes. I will retire. [_Gaspar withdraws._ _Enter Perez._ _Perez._ Fool that I am! like some robb'd bird to hover About the nest that's void. Her heart's not mine. 'Tis now three moons that I have sued in vain; Her casement closed by night, her door by day. O woman, woman! thy mysterious power Chains the whole world, and men are nought but slaves Unto the potent talisman-- If man prove false and treach'rous, he is spurn'd, Contemn'd, and punish'd with resentment just. To woman faithless still we kneel and sue, For that return our reason holds as worthless. Well! this shall be my last--for, by yon moon, So oft a witness to my fervent vows, So true an emblem of inconstant beauty, This night I woo her back, or woo no more. [_Retires; sings to his guitar, unseen; or beckons on chorus._