Count Alarcos; a Tragedy Part 20

Hast pardoned me That I was querulous? But lovers crossed Wrangle with those that love them, as it were, To spite affection.

III:2:79 ALAR.

We are bound together As the twin powers of the storm. Very love Now makes me callous. The great bond is sealed; Look bright; if gloomy, mortgage future bliss For present comfort. Trust me 'tis good 'surance.

I'll to the King.

[Exeunt both.]

SCENE 3

A Street in Burgos.

[Enter the COUNT OF LEON, followed by ORAN.]

III:3:1 LEON.

He has been sighing like a Sybarite These six weeks past, and now he sends to me To hire my bravo. Well, that smacks of manhood.

He'll pierce at least one heart, if not the right one.

Murder and marriage! which the greater crime A schoolman may decide. All arts exhausted, His death alone remains. A clumsy course.

I care not. Truth, I hate this same Alarcos, I think it is the colour of his eyes, But I do hate him; and the royal ear Lists coldly to me since this same return.

The King leans wholly on him. Sirrah Moor, All is prepared?

III:3:2 ORAN.

And prompt.

III:3:3 LEON.

'Tis well; no boggling; Let it be cleanly done.

III:3:4 ORAN.

A stab or two, And the Arlanzon's wave shall know the rest.

III:3:5 LEON.

I'll have to kibe his heels at Court, if you fail.

III:3:6 ORAN.

There is no fear. We have the choicest spirits In Burgos.

III:3:7 LEON.

Goodly gentlemen! you wait Their presence?

III:3:8 ORAN.

Here anon.

III:3:9 LEON.

Good night, dusk infidel, They'll take me for an Alguazil. At home Your news will reach me.

III:3:10 ORAN.

And were all your throats cut, I would not weep. O, Allah, let them spend Their blood upon themselves! My life he s.h.i.+elded, And now exacts one at my hands; we're quits When this is closed. That thought will grace a deed Otherwise graceless. I would break the chain That binds me to this man. His callous eye Repels devotion, while his reckless vein Demands prompt sacrifice. Now is't wise this?

Methinks 'twere wise to touch the humblest heart Of those that serve us? In maturest plans There lacks that finish, which alone can flow From zealous instruments. But here are some That have no hearts to touch.

[Enter Four BRAVOs.]

How now, good senors.

I cannot call them comrades; you're exact, As doubtless ye are brave. You know your duty?

III:3:11 1ST BRAVO.

And will perform it, or my name is changed, And I'm not Guzman Jaca.

III:3:12 ORAN.

You well know The arm you cross is potent?

III:3:13 2ND BRAVO.

All the steel Of Calatrava's knights shall not protect it.

III:3:14 3RD BRAVO.

And all the knights to boot.

III:3:15 4TH BRAVO.

A river business.

III:3:16 ORAN.

The safest sepulchre.

III:3:17 4TH BRAVO.

A burial ground Of which we are the priests, and take our fees; I never cross a stream, but I do feel A sense of property.

III:3:18 ORAN.

You know the signal: And when I boast I've friends, they may appear To prove I am no braggart.

III:3:19 1ST BRAVO.

To our posts It shall be cleanly done, and brief.

III:3:20 2ND BRAVO.

No oaths, No swagger.

III:3:21 3RD BRAVO.

Not a word; but all as pleasant As we were n.o.bles like himself.

III:3:22 4TH BRAVO.

'Tis true, sir; You deal with gentlemen.

[Exeunt BRAVOs.]

[Enter COUNT ALARCOS.]

III:3:23 ALAR.