Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/416

CONSTANTINE (sinking down upon a chair quite overcome, and covering his face with his hands as he speaks with a quick perturbed voice).

Mahomet! Mahomet!

(Valeria steps back from him, holding up her hands in amazement; then he, after a pause, looking up to her with a self-upbraiding eye.)

I have offended in this very hour

When my press'd soul sigh'd for that loving peace
Which in its earthly close the soul desires.
I have offended,

VALERIA.

Yes, thou hast offended.

All the offences thou had ever done me
Are in this fell and cruel stroke compris'd;
And any other stroke, compar'd to this,
Had fallen upon me lightly.

CONSTANTINE.

It was a thought that hasted fast away,

And came unbidden, (Going up to her penitently.)

VALERIA (turning away in anger).

There is no thought doth ever cross the mind

Till some preceding kindred sentiment
Hath made a path-way for it.

CONSTANTINE.

Yes, my Valeria, thou indeed say'st true;