bore her is no proof of your guilt towards me. Learn that if you had
been culpable, the lofty pride within me would have made you sue in vain
to overcome my contempt, and that neither repentance nor commands could
have induced me to forget such an insult.

ELV. Ah, dear brother,--allow me to call you by this gentle name,--you
render your sister very happy! I love your choice, and bless fortune,
which enables you to crown so pure a friendship! Of the two noble hearts
I so tenderly love...




SCENE VI.--DON GARCIA, DONNA ELVIRA, DONNA INEZ, DON ALPHONSO, ELIZA.


GARC. For mercy's sake, Madam, hide from me your satisfaction, and let
me die in the belief that a feeling of duty compels you. I know you can
freely dispose of your hand; I do not intend to run counter to your
wishes. I have proved this sufficiently, as well as my obedience to your
commands. But I must confess that this levity surprises me, and shakes
all my resolutions. Such a sight awakens a storm of passion which I fear
I cannot command, though I would punish myself, if this could make me
lose that profound respect I wish to preserve. Yes, you have ordered me
to bear patiently my unfortunate love; your behest has so much influence
over my heart, that I will rather die than disobey you. But still, the
joy you display tries me too severely; the wisest man, upon such an
occasion, can but ill answer for his conduct. Suppress it, I beseech
you, for a few moments, and spare me, Madam, this cruel trial; however
great your love for my rival may be, do not let me be a wretched witness