Don Garcia of Navarre | Page 6

reasonable, I always imagine that you are uneasy when he is absent, and that in spite of my attentions, your sighs are continually sent in search of that too happy rival. But if such suspicions displease you, alas, you may easily cure them; their removal, which I hope for, depends more on you than on me. Yes, with a couple of love-breathing words you can arm my soul against jealousy, and disperse all the horrors with which that monster has enshrouded it, by encouraging me to entertain some expectation of a successful issue. Deign therefore to remove the doubt that oppresses me; and, amidst so many trials, let your charming lips grant me the assurance that you love me,--an assurance, of which, I know, I am utterly unworthy.
ELV. Prince, your suspicions completely master you. The slightest intimation of a heart should be understood; it does not reciprocate a passion that continually adjures the object beloved to explain herself more clearly. The first agitation displayed by our soul ought to satisfy a discreet lover; if he wishes to make us declare ourselves more plainly, he only gives us a reason for breaking our promise. If it depended on me alone, I know not whether I should choose Don Silvio or yourself; the very wish I expressed for you not to be jealous, would have been a sufficient hint to any one but you; I thought this request was worded agreeably enough without needing anything further. Your love, however, is not yet satisfied, and requires a more public avowal. In order to remove any scruples, I must distinctly say that I love you; perhaps even, to make more sure of it, you will insist that I must swear it too.
GARC. Well, Madam, I own I am too bold; I ought to be satisfied with everything that pleases you. I desire no further information. I believe you feel kindly towards me, that my love inspires you even with a little compassion; I am happier than I deserve to be. It is over now; I abandon my jealous suspicions; the sentence which condemns them is very agreeable; I shall obey the decision you so kindly pronounce, and free my heart from their unfounded sway.
ELV. You promise a great deal, Prince, but I very much doubt whether you can restrain yourself sufficiently.
GARC. Ah! Madam, you may believe me; it is enough that what is promised to you ought always to be kept, because the happiness of obeying the being one worships ought to render easy the greatest efforts. May Heaven declare eternal war against me; may its thunder strike me dead at your feet; or, what would be even worse than death, may your wrath be poured upon me, if ever my love descends to such weakness as to fail in the promise I have given, if ever any jealous transport of my soul...!

SCENE IV.--DONNA ELVIRA, DON GARCIA, DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA, A PAGE presenting a letter to Donna Elvira.
ELV. I was very anxious about this letter, I am very much obliged to you; let the messenger wait.

SCENE V.--DONNA ELVIRA, DON GARCIA, DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA.
ELV. (_Low and aside_). I see already by his looks that this letter disturbs him. What a wonderfully jealous temper he has! (_Aloud_). What stops you, Prince, in the midst of your oath.
GARC. I thought you might have some secret together; I was unwilling to interrupt you.
ELV. It seems to me that you reply in a much altered voice; I see all of a sudden a certain wildness in your looks; this abrupt change surprises me. What can be the cause of it? May I know?
GARC. A sudden sickness at heart.
ELV. Such illnesses have often more serious consequences than one believes; some immediate remedy would be necessary; but, tell me, have you often such attacks?
GARC. Sometimes.
ELV. Alas, weak-minded Prince! Here, let this writing cure your distemper; it is nowhere but in the mind.
GARC. That writing, Madam! No, I refuse to take it. I know your thoughts and what you will accuse me of, if...
ELV. Read it, I tell you, and satisfy yourself.
GARC. That you may afterwards call me weak-minded and jealous? No, no, I will prove that this letter gave me no umbrage, and though you kindly allow me to read it, to justify myself, I will not do so.
ELV. If you persist in your refusal, I should be wrong to compel you; it is sufficient, in short, as I have insisted upon it, to let you see whose hand it is.
GARC. I ought always to be submissive to you; if it is your pleasure I should read it for you, I will gladly do so.
ELV. Yes, yes, Prince, here it is; you shall read it for me.
GARC. I only do so, Madam, in obedience to your commands, and I may say...
ELV.