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and Romiero, struggling with him, falls to the ground, and Nurse escapes off the Stage.)

GUZMAN (endeavouring to raise him).

I pray thee, pardon me, my noble friend!

When passion led thee to disgrace thyself,
This was an act of friendship.—Rise, Romiero.

ROMIERO.

No; here upon the ground, my bed of agony,

I will remain. Sunk to this deep disgrace,
The centre of the earth were fitter for me
Than its fair surface and the light of heaven.
Oh! this exceeds the worst imagination
That e'er found entrance to this madden'd brain!
That he—this hateful, vulgar, shapeless creature——
Fy, fy!

GUZMAN.

If thou canst harbour such a thought,

Thou art in verity beside thyself.
It is not possible that such a one
Could please Zorada, were she even unfaithful.

ROMIERO (rising fiercely).

Not please her! every thing will please a woman

Who is bereft of virtue, gross, debased.
Yea, black deformity will be to her
A new and zestful object.

Enter Zorada behind him.

GUZMAN (making her a sign to retire).

O Lady! come not here.