Scene II.--_A chamber in the palace._ _Enter_ Henriquez _and_ Melchior. _Mel._ And the grave council Fell blindfold in the snare? _Hen._ They could not fail, So well Caesario spread it--With such art He told his tale, and in such glowing colours Painted Alfonso's worth, and his son's guilt, That all cried vengeance on the prince Don Pedro, And bade Caesario mount his forfeit throne. _Mel._ And he, no doubt, obeyed? _Hen._ In modest guise He owned his union with the princess gave him Some rights, but vowed, so heavy seemed its weight, He feared to wear a crown, so prayed them spare him: Till won by urgent prayer at length he yielded, And kindly deigned to be a king. _Mel._ He's here, And Bazil with him. _Enter_ Caesario, _father_ Bazil, _and attendants._ _Caesa._ (_Entering._) Bid her rest assured, Her king is her first subject. But, good father, How bears her health, this shock? Say, looks she pale? Does she e'er name---- _Bazil._ She bade me lead thee hither, And claimed my promise not to tell thee more. I'll warn her, thou art here. [_Going._] _Caesa._ Say too, my heart Shares every pang of her's; that crowns are worthless Bought with her tears; that could my prayers my blood, Restore Alfonso's life---- _Bazil._ Hold!--On that subject What thou wouldst tell her, will come best from thee. [_Exit._ _Caesa._ Ha!--Meant he----No! Sure had he known my secret, The monk had canted 'gainst the guilt of treason, Thundering out saint-like curses!----Vile, vile chance, Which led the princess.--Yet what fear I now? She keeps my secret: then she loves me still, And, loving, must forgive me--Hark! I hear her. Now all ye powers of bland persuasion, shed Your honey on my lips. Come to my aid, Ye soft memorials of departed pleasures, Kind words, fond looks, sweet tears, and melting kisses! Sighs of compassion, drown her anger's voice! Smooth ye her frown, smiles of delight and love! Make her but mine once more, and this day crowns me Monarch of all my soul e'er wished from fate: Yes, in my wildest dreams I asked but this, "Love and revenge! A throne and Amelrosa!"-- Retire!--I dread to meet her. [Henriquez &c. _Exeunt_. Amelrosa _enters, pale, and leaning on father_ Bazil.--Estella, Inis, _and ladies follow weeping._ _Amel._ 'Tis enough, Good father, and one task performed, I'll meet That hour with joy, which seems to guilt so fearful. Leave me awhile: Anon, if time allows it, We'll talk again--Farewell, my friends. _Inis._ [_Kneeling._] Oh! princess! Oh! royal victim! _Amel._ Nay, be calm, my Inis. Pass a few years, and all had been as now, Perhaps far worse: Receive this kiss of pardon, And give it back in heaven!----Farewell! [_Exeunt_ Estella &c. _Manent_ Caesario _and_ Amelrosa. _Caesa._ How grief Has changed her! Ah! how sunk her eyes! her cheeks How pale!--She comes!--How shall I bear her anguish!