Don Garcia of Navarre | Page 8

all such flatterers for the length of time their glory has been dimmed.
Meanwhile I must tell you that you have been a little too frank in your
explanations; if a true account of your motives were laid before the
Prince, it would but ill serve you in making your fortune.
LOP. I could deny having told you those truths I have just unfolded,
and that without being gainsaid; but I know very well that Eliza is too
discreet to divulge this private conversation. After all, what I have said
is known by everyone; what actions of mine have I to conceal? A
downfall may be justly dreaded when we employ artifices or treachery.
But what have I to fear? I, who cannot be taxed with anything but
complaisance, who by my useful lessons do but follow up the Prince's
natural inclination for jealousy. His soul seems to live upon suspicions;
and so I do my very best to find him opportunities for his uneasiness,
and to look out on all sides if anything has happened that may furnish a
subject for a secret conversation. When I can go to him, with a piece of
news that may give a deadly blow to his repose, then he loves me most:
I can see him listen eagerly and swallow the poison, and thank me for it
too, as if I had brought him news of some victory which would make

him happy and glorious for all his life. But my rival draws near, and so
I leave you together; though I have renounced all hope of ever gaining
your affection, yet it would pain me not a little to see you prefer him to
me before my face; therefore I will avoid such a mortification as much
as I can.
[Footnote: Don Lopez bears a distant resemblance to "honest Iago" in
Othello, though Molière has only faintly shadowed forth what
Shakespeare has worked out in so masterly a manner.]
EL. All judicious lovers should do the same.

SCENE II.--DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA.
ALV. At last we have received intelligence that the king of Navarre has
this very day declared himself favourable to the Prince's love, and that
a number of fresh troops will reinforce his army, ready to be employed
in the service of her to whom his wishes aspire. As for me, I am
surprised at their quick movements... but...

SCENE III.--DON GARCIA, DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA.
GARC. What is the Princess doing?
EL. I think, my Lord, she is writing some letters; but I shall let her
know that you are here.
GARC. (_In a low voice and aside_). How well she dissembles.
ELV. We have just now heard that the King, your father, approves your
designs, and consents that his son should restore us to our subjects. I
am extremely rejoiced at this.
GARC. Yes, Madam, and my heart is rejoiced at it too; but....
ELV. The tyrant will doubtless find it difficult to defend himself

against the thunderbolts which from all sides threaten him. I flatter
myself that the same courage which was able to deliver me from the
brutal rage of the usurper, to snatch me out of his hands, and place me
safe within the walls of Astorga, will conquer the whole of Leon, and
by its noble efforts cause the head of the tyrant to fall.
GARC. A few days more will show if I am successful. But pray let us
proceed to some other subject of conversation. If you do not consider
me too bold, will you kindly tell me, Madam, to whom you have
written since fate led us hither?
ELV. Why this question, and whence this anxiety?
GARC. Out of pure curiosity, Madam, that is all.
ELV. Curiosity is the daughter of jealousy.
GARC. No; it is not at all what you imagine; your commands have
sufficiently cured that disease.
ELV. Without endeavouring further to discover what may be the
reasons for your inquiry, I have written twice to the Countess Inez at
Leon, and as often to the Marquis, Don Louis, at Burgos. Does this
answer put your mind at rest?
GARC. Have you written to no one else, Madam?
ELV. No, certainly, and your questions astonish me.
GARC. Pray consider well, before you make such a statement, because
people forget sometimes, and thus perjure themselves.
ELV. I cannot perjure myself in what I have stated.
GARC. You have, however, told a very great falsehood.
ELV. Prince!
GARC. Madam!

ELV. Heavens; what is the meaning of this! Speak! Have you lost your
senses?
GARC. Yes, yes, I lost them, when to my misfortune I beheld you, and
thus took the poison which kills me; when I thought to meet with some
sincerity in those treacherous charms that bewitched me.
ELV. What treachery have