Don Garcia of Navarre | Page 6

made reparation for your unjust suspicions, and
when you finally banish that hideous monster which poisons your love
with its black venom; that jealous and whimsical temper which mars,
by its outbreaks, the love you offer, prevents it from ever being
favourably listened to, and arms me, each time, with just indignation
against it.
GARC. Alas, Madam, it is true, that, notwithstanding my utmost effort,
some trifling jealousy lingers in my heart; that a rival, though distant
from your divine charms, disturbs my equanimity. Whether it be
whimsical or 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