Chapter 16

JULIAN _and_ EGILONA.

_Egil._ O fly me not because I am unhappy, Because I am deserted fly me not. It was not so before, it cannot be Ever from Julian.

_Jul._ What would Egilona That Julian’s power with her new lords can do? Surely her own must there preponderate.

_Egil._ I hold no suit to them—restore, restore Roderigo.

_Jul._ He no longer is my prisoner.

_Egil._ Escapes he then?

_Jul._ Escapes he—dost thou say? O Egilona! what unworthy passion—

_Egil._ Unworthy, when I loved him, was my passion, The passion that now swells my heart, is just.

_Jul._ What fresh reproaches hath he merited?

_Egil._ Deeprooted hatred shelters no reproach. But whither is he gone.

_Jul._ Far from the walls.

_Egil._ And I knew nothing!—

_Jul._ His offence was known To thee at least.

_Egil._ Will it be expiated?

[_After some hesitation_.

_Jul._ I trust it will.

_Egil._ This withering calm consumes me. He marries then Covilla! ’twas for this His people were excited to rebell, His sceptre was thrown by, his vows were scorn’d, And I—and I—

_Jul._ Cease, Egilona!

_Egil._ Cease? Sooner shalt thou to live, than I to reign.