ed, good master, on my knees
I swear that what I said is sainted truth.

_Gia._ Pshaw, pshaw, no more of this. Did I not go
Upon the instant to my daughter's room
And find Bernardo sleeping at her side?
Some villain's gold hath bribed thee unto this.
Go, go.

_Lor._ Well, if it must be, then it must.
But I would swear that what I said is truth,
Though all the devils from the deepest pit
Should rise to contradict me!

_Gia._ Prating still?

_Lor._ No, signor--I am going--stay--see here--

(_He draws a paper from his bosom._)

Oh, blessed Virgin, grant some proof in this!
This paper as they changed their mantles dropt
Between them to the ground, and when they passed
I picked it up and placed it safely here.

_Gia._ (_Examining it._)
Who forged the lie could fabricate this too:--
But hold, it is ingeniously done.
Get to thy duties, sir, and mark me well,
Let no word pass thy lips about the matter--
[_Exit Lorenzo._
Bernardo's very hand indeed is here!
Oh, compact villainous and black! conditions,
The means, the hour, the signal--every thing
To rob my honor of its holiest pearl!
Lorenzo, shallow fool--he does not guess
The mischief was all done, and that it was
The duke he saw departing--oh, brain--brain!
How shall I hold this river of my wrath!
It must not burst--no, rather it shall sweep
A noiseless maelstrom, whirling to its center
All thoughts and plans to further my revenge
And rid me of this most accursed blot!

(_He rests his forehead on his hand a few minutes, and exclaims,_)

The past returns to me again--the lore
I gladly had forgot comes like a ghost,
And points with shadowy finger to the means
Which best shall consummate my just design.
The laboratory hath been closed too long;
The door smiles welcome to me once again,
The dusky latch invites my hand--I come!

(_He unlocks the door and stands upon the threshold._)

Oh, thou whose life was stolen from me here,
Stand not to thwart me in this great revenge;
But rather come with large propitious eyes
Smiling encouragement with ancient looks!
Ye sages whose pale, melancholy orbs
Gaze through the darkness of a thousand years,
Oh, pierce the solid blackness of to-day,
And fire anew this crucible of thought
Until my soul flames up to the result!
(_He enters and the door closes._)

SCENE II. _Another apartment in the alchemist's house. Enter Rosalia
and Bernardo._