_Amel._ No! at the altar thou hast sworn already Mine were thy hand and heart, and mine forever: If thou canst break this oath, none else will bind thee---- Yet did I wrong thee? art thou true? I fain Would think thee so.----But this fond heart, my husband, Is such a weak sad thing and where it loves, Loves so devoutly----Spare me, dear Caesario, Such fears in future; let no word, no thought, Cloud thy pure faith, for so my soul dotes on thee, But to suspect thee racks each nerve, and almost Drives my brain mad,--Oh! could'st thou know, Caesario, How painful 'tis for one who loves like me, To _cease_ to love----Cease, said I?----No, my heart Ceased to esteem, but never ceased to love thee. [_Falling on his neck._] _Caesa._ My soul! my Amelrosa,--Now all planets Rain plagues upon my perjured head, if e'er I break the vow, which here I breathe; this heart, Filled but with thee, and formed but to adore thee, Is thine, my love, thine now, and thine forever! _Amel._ Hark!--steps approach----Estella? _Estel._ [_who has retired, advances hastily._] Haste, Caesario, You must away! the king's returned, I see His train now loitering near the garden-gate, Fly by the private postern. _Caesa._ Straight I'll follow. [_Exit_ Estella. And must I leave thee, leave thee for so long too? The king's affairs now call me far from Burgos, And ere we meet again twelve hours must pass. _Amel._ Ah! me, to love, an age. _Caesa._ Yet should I leave thee With calmer soul, nor feel such pain in absence, Were I but sure one wish---- _Amel._ [_Eagerly._] Oh! name it, name it, But ask me nothing light in action: ask me Something strange, hard, and painful: Something, such As none would dare to do but one who loves. Name, name this blessed wish. _Caesa._'Tis this--From midnight, Till my return, avoid the royal tower. _Amel._ I promise; yet what reason---- _Caesa._ When we meet Thou shalt know all; till then forgive my silence: Seal with a kiss thy promise, then farewell. [_Here_ Alfonso _advances in silence; his eyes are fixed on his daughter, his hands are folded, and his whole appearance expresses the utmost dejection._] _Amel._ Farewell, since it must be farewell----But mark, See not Ottilia ere you go. _Caesa._ I will not. _Amel._ And when the bell's deep tongue announces midnight, Breathe thou my name, for at that hour, my love, I'll think on thee.--That hour! Oh, fool! as if Hours could be found in which I think not on thee. And must thou go?--Nay, if thou must, away, Or I shall bid thee stay, and stay forever. Farewell my husband! _Caesa._ My soul's joy, farewell! _Amel._ Oh! pain of parting! [_Turning round, her eye rests on_ Alfonso. _She starts, and remains as petrified with terror. After a pause, he passes her in silence; but, on his reaching the door, she rushes towards him, her hands clasped in supplication._] Father! [Alfonso _motions to forbid her following, and goes off_.] _Amel._ Oh! I'm lost! [_She falls senseless on the ground._]