What mean these words?

Ire.

Nay, nay, I cannot, brother.

They mean not what they seem, indeed they do not.

Theo. They mean not what they seem! Thou hast been long

In Bosphorus, and ofttimes at the Court

Hast seen the Prince. When he to-day comes hither,

Thou swoonest at the sight. I, seeking thee,

Find thee at night alone, he having left thee,

Lamenting for thy shame. Wouldst have me credit

Thy innocence? Speak, if thou hast a word

To balance proofs like these, or let thy silence

Condemn thee.

Ire. (after a pause, and slowly, as if calculating consequences). Then do I keep silence, brother,

And let thy vengeance fall.

64

64

Theo.

Oh, long-dead mother,

Who now art with the saints, shut fast thy ears

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