_Amel._ But when he frowns? I ne'er yet saw him frown,--but sure he's dreadful! Oh! ere I meet those eyes (which yet ne'er viewed me But their kind language spoke uncounted blessings) And find them dark with gloom, and dread with lightnings, Closed be my own in death!--Hark! hark! he comes In all his terrors, comes to spurn and drive me For ever from his sight.--His frown will kill me! Shield me, Estella, shield me! Alfonso _enters, followed by_ Ricardo _and courtiers_. _Alfon._ [_Aside, looking at_ Amelrosa.] Can it be! Can she too have deceived--!--Retire awhile. [_Exeunt_ Estella, &c. _Manent_ Alfonso _and_ Amelrosa. _Amel._ [_Advancing with timidity, then rushing forward and falling prostrate at his feet._] My father?--Oh! my father. _Alfon._ Rise! Nay rise: what fears't thou? Wherefore weep, and tremble? _Thou_ hast no cause for grief! The poisoned arrow Has pierced no heart but mine! These eyes alone Need weep for what they've seen! _Thou_ hast not felt What 'tis to lose all faith in man! to see Joy and hope die together; and to find, When all thy soul loved best hung on thy neck, Each kiss was false, and each sweet smile was hollow! Well! well! 'Tis past grief's curing! wondrous bitter, But must be borne! a few short months, and then The grave mends all. _Amel._ [_Aside._] Pangs of the dying sinner, Are ye more sharp than mine! _Alfon._ More tears?--Perhaps You tremble, lest my regal wrath should crush The audacious slave who stole his sovereign's daughter? No, princess, no! I can excuse the youth, Nor look from mortals for divine forbearance. A fairer fruit than ever dragon guarded, Courting his hand and hung within his grasp, He could not choose but pluck it. _Amel._ Oh! I would My heart would spring before thine eyes, and show thee Each word thou utter'st, written there in blood! That it could speak----! _Alfon._ What could it say? but plead The youth's fair form, high fame, and great acquirements! Gratitude that from ruffian hands he saved thee, Feelings too fond, and thus excuse thy love! But could it e'er excuse thy long dissembling, Thy seeming confidence, thy vows all broken, Thy arts to lull me in a blissful dream, From which the waking's dreadful! Why deceive me? Why hide as from a foe thy thoughts from me? Why banish me thy bosom? didst thou fear me? Didst fear my power, my pride, my wrath? Oh! was I-- Was I so harsh a father, Amelrosa? _Amel._ [_Aside._] Heart, sure thy strings are steel, or they would break! _Alfon._ Yet 'Tis deserved? I was too fond! too partial! Still loved thee better than my son, whose heart Perhaps this partial love has turned against me-- If so, my pain is just!--Daughter I'll chide No more; nor came I here to chide, but bless thee, This parchment gives thy lord Medina's dukedom, With all its fair domains; the dowry promised, When my fond bosom hoped that princely Arragon---- But that's now passed!--Take it--farewell--be happy---- We meet no more!