_Zorai._ (_Raising up his sister, in which Alonzo makes an effort to assist him, but is thrust back by Zorai_) Hence, thou murderer of innocence!—Oh that a hero should thus sink to nothing when we behold him near!—How did I reverence this man at a distance!—how admire him when I listened to the detail of his noble actions!—I felt my young heart elevated, and wished for nothing so ardently as that I were myself in his place!—Fool that I was!—His heroism was the effect of chance, not principle; he is still but a man, and weak as the rest of mankind!—Look here, and exult at this scene, it is thy work; and thou may’st thank these chains that, even in the midst of the temple, and in the presence of our god himself, thou art not made the victim of my vengeance. _Alonzo._ Did you know how my heart is tortured, how inexpressibly I love, you would be more compassionate to my sorrows! _Telasco._ Say no more, my son—his fate is much more deplorable than ours: we have one treasure left, which we shall carry with us to another world, a pure conscience;—that treasure he has lost; he is poorer than ourselves. _Cora._ Oh, my father, do not let me die in despair!—Can you refuse me your blessing in the hour of death! (_She falls at his feet_) I will cling round your knees, my anguish shall move you!—have pity on your kneeling daughter!—bless me, my father!—forgive me, my brother! (_Telasco and Zorai appear much affected_) See how I humble, how I twine myself about you!—Oh, my agony is inconceivable!—Have compassion upon me, or my heart will break! _Telasco._ Son! son!—let us not aggravate the bitter stroke of death!—the wretched easily forgive!—Raise her up to my arms. (_Zorai raises up his sister. Telasco clasps her to his breast_) Die in peace—I forgive thee! _Cora._ (_In a faint voice_) My brother! _Telasco._ Yes, yes, Zorai!—no resentment!—forgive the penitent!—call her sister! _Zorai._ (_Embracing her_) Unhappy—sister! _Cora._ Ye gods, I thank you!—the bitterness of death is past. _Alonzo._ Your hearts are softened!—Might Alonzo venture!—Zorai, you called me a weak man. Yes, I am weak; but I am not a villain!—Misery soon unites the sufferers to each other—let us not die in enmity. _Telasco._ Stranger, I harbour no resentment against you!—Can I leave the world in a better state of mind, than in speaking pardon to those by whom I have been injured. Have you any parents living? _Alonzo._ An aged mother. _Telasco._ For her sake come hither, that I may bless thee in her place! (_He embraces him_) _Alonzo._ From what a grievous burden is my heart relieved!—And you too Zorai! (_Offering him his hand_) _Zorai._ Away! I admire my father’s conduct; but—I cannot follow his example. _Alonzo._ Not to give peace to a dying man?