_Alv._ I know it well,
For I was present.--Now, Almeyda, speak,
And truly tell us how you came by yours.
_Alm._ My mother, when I parted from her sight
To go to Portugal, bequeathed it to me,
Presaging she should never see me more.
She pulled it from her finger, shed some tears,
Kissed it, and told me 'twas a pledge of love,
And hid a mystery of great importance,
Relating to my fortunes.
_Alv._ Mark me now,
While I disclose that fatal mystery:--
Those rings, when you were born and thought another's,
Your parents, glowing yet in sinful love,
Bid me bespeak: a curious artist wrought them.
With joints so close, as not to be perceived,
Yet are they both each other's counterpart;
Her part had _Juan_ inscribed, and his had _Zayda_,
(You know those names are theirs,) and in the midst
A heart divided in two halves was placed.
Now, if the rivets of those rings inclosed
Fit not each other, I have forged this lie;
But, if they join, you must for ever part.
[SEBASTIAN _pulling off his Ring,_ ALMEYDA
_does the same, and gives it to_ ALVAREZ,
_who unscrews both the Rings, and fits
one half to the other[10]._
_Seb._ Now life, or death.
_Alm._ And either thine, or ours.--
I'm lost for ever. [_Swoons. The Women and_ MORAYMA _take her up,
and carry her off.
Pages:
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489