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And friendship, filial duty, every tie
Defrauds thy husband of his dear-earned rights,
(After pacing again through the room as before.)
I am a fool! I knew the heart of woman—
Knew what she had to give, and, Oh! too well,
What might, at price of many an inward pang,
To her be given; yet, ne'ertheless, forsooth!

I murmur at my lot.—(These last words spoken while Don Guzman is entering behind him.)

GUZMAN.

What art thou mutt'ring? Murmurs at thy lot!

Were these the words I heard thee utter now
In such a smother'd voice? With fair Zorada
Within that lot comprised, would'st thou exchange it
For any other man's?

ROMIERO.

No; not for his who fills th' imperial throne.

GUZMAN.

What ails thee, then, possessing such a treasure?

ROMIERO.

Ay, if I did possess it.

GUZMAN.

Dost thou not?

ROMIERO.

The heart I do not. Call ye it possessing,

When any tie of friendship or of nature
Crosses the vows which she has given to love?