idea of seeing you in the arms of another; that same light, which
permits me to behold your charms, will shine on my corpse, before this
marriage takes place. I know that I betray an amiable Princess; but
after all, Madam, is my heart guilty? Does the powerful influence which
your beauty possesses leave the mind any liberty? Alas! I am much more
to be pitied than she; for, by losing me, she loses only a faithless
man. Such a sorrow can easily be soothed; but I, through an unparalleled
misfortune, abandon an amiable lady, whilst I endure all the torments of
a rejected love.

ELV. You have no torments but what you yourself create, for our heart is
always in our own power. It may indeed sometimes show a little weakness;
but, after all, reason sways our passions...




SCENE III.--DON GARCIA, DONNA ELVIRA, DON ALPHONSO, _under the name of
Don Silvio_.


GARC. I perceive. Madam, that my coming is somewhat unseasonable, and
disturbs your conversation. I must needs say I did not expect to find
such good company here.

ELV. Don Silvio's appearance indeed surprised me very much; I no more
expected him than you did.

GARC. Madam, since you say so, I do not believe you were forewarned of
this visit; (_to Don Silvio_) but you, sir, ought at least to have