_Zan._ My lord, I pray, forbear--Transported at his sight, After so long a bondage, and your friend, (Who could suspect him of an artifice?) No farther I inquir'd, but let him pass, False to my trust, at least imprudent in it. Our watch reliev'd, I went into the garden, As is my custom, when the night's serene, And took a moon-light walk: when soon I heard A rustling in an arbour that was near me. I saw two lovers in each other's arms, Embracing and embrac'd. Anon the man Arose; and, falling back some paces from her, Gaz'd ardently awhile, then rush'd at once, And, throwing all himself into her bosom, There softly sigh'd, "Oh, night of ecstasy! When shall we meet again?"--Don Carlos then Led Leonora forth. _Alon._ Oh, oh, my heart! [_he sinks into a chair._ _Zan._ Groan on, and with the sound refresh my soul! 'Tis through his heart; his knees smite one another: 'Tis through his brain; his eye-balls roll in anguish. [_aside._ My lord, my lord, why will you rack my soul? _Alon._ Oh, she was all! My fame, my friendship, and my love of arms, All stoop'd to her; my blood was her possession. Deep in the secret foldings of my heart She liv'd with life, and far the dearer she: To think on't is the torment of the damn'd, And not to think on't is impossible. _Zan._ You said you'd bear it like a man. _Alon._ I do. Am I not most distracted? _Zan._ Pray, be calm. _Alon._ As hurricanes:--be thou assur'd of that. _Zan._ Is this the wise Alonzo? _Alon._ Villain, no: He died in the arbour--he was murder'd there!-- _Zan._ Alas! he weeps. _Alon._ Go, dig her grave! _Zan._ My lord! _Alon._ But that her blood's too hot, I would carouse it Around my bridal board! _Zan._ And I would pledge thee. [_aside._ _Alon._ But I may talk too fast. Pray let me think, And reason mildly.--Wedded and undone Before one night descends.--Oh, hasty evil! What friend to comfort me in my extreme! Where's Carlos? why is Carlos absent from me? Does he know what has happen'd? _Zan._ My lord! _Alon._ Oh, villain, villain, most accurst! If thou didst know it, why didst let me wed? _Zan._ Hear me, my lord; your anger will abate. I knew it not:--I saw them in the garden; But saw no more than you might well expect To see in lovers destin'd for each other. By heav'n, I thought their meeting innocent. Who could suspect fair Leonora's virtue, 'Till after-proofs conspir'd to blacken it? Sad proofs, which came too late, which broke not out, (Eternal curses on Alvarez' haste!) 'Till holy rites had made the wanton yours; And then, I own, I labour'd to conceal it, In duty and compassion to your peace. _Alon._ Live now, be damn'd hereafter--for I want thee. Let me think-- The jess'mine bower--'tis secret and remote: Go, wait me there, and take thy dagger with thee. [_exit Zanga._ How sweet the sound still sings within my ear! When shall we meet again?--To-night, in hell. [_going._ _Enter Leonora._