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HENRIQUEZ: A TRAGEDY.
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Which yields to a succeeding, sharper sting,
And that again to others keener still.
So kind, so dear, such manly, true affection!
Friendship so pure! such noble confidence!
Love that surmounted all things! When, in passion,
I did an outrage on his fiery blood,
What would have hurl'd on any other head
The instant stroke of death—he only waited——

FRIAR.

Give o'er my son; thou art too vehement.


HENRIQUEZ.

He waited till my senseless rage was spent,

Then smiled—O such an upbraiding smile!
Open'd his arms, and clasp'd me to his heart.
That smile, those open'd arms, I see them now,—
I see them constantly; where'er I turn,
They front me like a vision of delight
Changed to a gorgon terror.
But no restraining love did plead for him:
As though he had some faithless rav'ller been,
All base suggestions were received against him,
Were cherish'd, brooded on, by dint of thought
Work'd to a semblance of consistent truth,
Which, but for this——Base, black ingratitude!
Passing all crimes, detested, monstrous!

(Beating his forehead violently as he strides rapidly away.)

This base, believing heart, this ruffian's hand!