Ozmin endeavoured to soothe her by representing that her courage ought not to forsake her now, after having hitherto borne their misfortunes with firmness; and assured her that he was much mortified in having been obliged to shew some sort of complacency for Elvira’s blind passion for him. He had no sooner uttered these words, than Daraxa burst into tears, and said, in a voice frequently interrupted by violent sobbings, “that alone, alas! overcomes my firmness, which is proof against all other persecutions. What torment for a tender and delicate heart, to be incessantly exposed to what is most likely to rend it in twain! Perhaps I may, ere long, reproach myself for having had too great a confidence in your fidelity.” “Can I understand you rightly?” replied Ozmin, much affected: “_you_ think me capable of loving another: ah! Daraxa, can you, who know my heart, do me such an injustice? you, who so well know my virtuous sentiments as well as my abhorrence of infidelity.” “I would willingly believe,” answered Daraxa, wiping away her tears, “that I am to blame for being thus mistrustful; but I love you, Ozmin, and I cannot reflect without pain on your attentions to Elvira: you would not have gone so far, had they been equally painful to you. When I consider their effects, I am still more alarmed; Elvira is more positive than ever that she shall overcome your resistance by her perseverance. How then can I feel convinced that you will not at last be wrought upon by her excessive passion?” “I!” cried Ozmin, with transport; “be assured that....” Here he was interrupted by Elvira, who at that instant ran hastily into the arbour; and her brother joined them the next moment. Ozmin did not expect them so soon, considering that Don Rodrigo would have amused his sister much longer, under pretence of his wishing to speak to her on some important business. Don Rodrigo had fully intended this, but was unable to detain Elvira, who suddenly started from him, for the purpose of interrupting Daraxa’s conversation with Don Jaymé. The dumb scene that passed between these four persons gave rise to many thoughts. Don Rodrigo and his sister observed that Daraxa appeared much dejected; they even thought that she must have been crying, upon which they each formed different opinions. As for Ozmin, as he had nothing more to do in the arbour, and as he only personated Ambrosio, it was easy for him to escape from this awkward situation by retiring.