_ Sir, I am silent;
Pray heaven my fears prove false!
_Seb._ Away! you all combine to make me wretched.
_Alv._ But hear the story of that fatal love,
Where every circumstance shall prove another;
And truth so shine by her own native light,
That, if a lie were mixt, it must be seen.
_Seb._ No; all may still be forged, and of a piece.
No; I can credit nothing thou canst say.
_Alv._ One proof remains, and that's your father's hand,
Firmed with his signet; both so fully known,
That plainer evidence can hardly be,
Unless his soul would want her heaven awhile,
And come on earth to swear.
_Seb._ Produce that writing.
_Alv._ [_To DORAX._] Alonzo has it in his custody;
The same, which, when his nobleness redeemed me,
And in a friendly visit owned himself
For what he is, I then deposited,
And had his faith to give it to the king.
_Dor._ Untouched, and sealed, as when intrusted with me,
[_Giving a sealed Paper to the King._
Such I restore it with a trembling hand,
Lest aught within disturb your peace of soul.
_Seb._ Draw near, Almeyda; thou art most concerned,
For I am most in thee.-- [_Tearing open the Seals._
Alonzo, mark the characters;
Thou know'st my father's hand, observe it well;
And if the impostor's pen have made one slip
That shews it counterfeit, mark that, and save me.
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