_Caesa._ And who shall see that guilt When wrapt in purple, and the world's eye dazzled By the o'erpowering blaze a crown emits? What pilgrim, gazing on some awful torrent, Thinks through what roads it passed? Let golden fortune But smile propitious on my daring crimes, And all my crimes are virtues! Mark this, father, The world ne'er holds those guilty who succeed. [_Exit._ _Orsi._ (_alone._) How shall I act? He said within two nights---- Whate'er is done must be done soon--Oh! how, How shall I tread this labyrinth; how contrive To save my king, yet not destroy my son? The princess! Ha! well thought! It shall be so. I'll seek her, and Alfonso's life preserved, At once shall pay her kindness for my freedom, And buy my son's full pardon. Yes, I'll haste, And snatch my sovereign from this gulf of ruin. I, I the Atlas of his tottering throne---- Prosperous I shunned; unhappy, I forgive him; He reigned, I scorned his power; he sinks, I'll save him. [_Exit._ _End of Act III._ ACT IV. SCENE I. Amelrosa's _chamber._ Amelrosa _in white robes, crowned with flowers_, Estella, _with a letter._ _Amelrosa._ 'Tis strange! At this late hour! In armour say'st thou? _Estel._ In sable armour; round his neck was slung A bugle horn. In courteous guise he prayed me Give you this note unseen. _Amel._ Unseen! How is this? [_Reading_] "One, not unknown, requests an immediate audience on matters most important. Princess, delay not as you value your father's life." Not signed! My father's life! Estella say, Did he not tell his name? _Estel._ He said this jewel Would speak whence came his letter. _Amel._ Ha! The ring I gave Orsino! Quickly seek yon stranger, And charge him meet me at St. Juan's chapel; For there to pass the night in grateful prayer, E'en now I go----Friend speed thee. _Amel._ [_Alone_] Doubt and terror---- My father's life?--And yet, for such a father What need I fear? Heaven will defend its own, And wings of seraphs shield that king from harm, Whose proudest title is--"his people's father," Whose dearest treasure is his people's love! [_Exit._ SCENE II. _St. Juan's cloisters by moon-light.--On one side a gothic chapel._