ELV. Prince, let us talk no more of my resentment; your fate has made a
change in my heart. Its severity, and your wretched condition have
extinguished my anger, and our peace is made. Yes, though you have
deserved the misfortunes with which Heaven in its wrath has afflicted
you; though your jealous suspicions have so ignominiously, so almost
incredibly, sullied my fame, yet I must needs confess that I so far
commiserate your misfortune, as to be somewhat displeased with our
success. I hate the famous service Don Silvio has rendered us, because
my heart must be sacrificed to reward it; I would, were it in my power,
bring back the moments when destiny put only my oath in my way. But you
know that it is the doom of such as we are, to be always the slaves of
public interests; that Heaven has ordained that my brother, who disposes
of my hand, is likewise my King. Yield, as I do, Prince, to that
necessity which rank imposes upon those of lofty birth. If you are very
unfortunate in your love, be comforted by the interest I take in you;
and though you have been overwhelmed by fate, do not employ the power
which your valour gives you in this place: it would, doubtless be
unworthy of you to struggle against destiny; whilst it is in vain to
oppose its decrees, a prompt submission shows a lofty courage. Do not
therefore resist its orders; but open the gates of Astorga to my brother
who is coming; allow my sad heart to yield to those rights which he is
entitled to claim from me; perhaps that fatal duty, which I owe him
against my will, may not go so far as you imagine.

GARC. Madam, you give me proofs of exquisite goodness in endeavouring to
lighten the blow that is prepared for me, but without such pains you may
let fall upon me all the wrath which your duty demands. In my present
condition, I can say nothing. I have deserved the worst punishments
which fate can inflict; and I know that, whatever evils I may suffer, I
have deprived myself of the right to complain of them. Alas, amidst all