grave.

Rod. Methinks, most reverend Opas, not inapt Are these fair views; arise they from Seville?

Opas. He, who can scoff at them, may scoff at me. Such are we, that the giver of all good Shall, in the heart he purifies, posess p. 55The latest love—the earliest, no, not there! I’ve known the firm and faithful; even from these Life’s eddying spring shed the first bloom on earth. I pity them, but ask their pity too. I love the happiness of men, and praise And sanctify the blessings I renounce.

p. 55

Rod. Yet would thy baleful influence undermine The heaven-appointed throne.

Opas. —the throne of guilt Obdurate, without plea, without remorse.

Rod. What power hast thou? perhaps thou soon wilt want A place of refuge.

Opas. Rather say, perhaps My place of refuge will receive me soon: Could I extend it even to thy crimes, It should be open; but the wrath of heaven Turns them against thee, and subverts thy sway; It leaves thee not, what wickedness and woe Oft in their drear communion taste together, Hope and repentance.

p. 56Rod. But it leaves me arms, Vigour of soul and body, and a race Subject by law, and dutiful by choice, Whose hand is never to be holden fast Within the closing cleft of knarled creeds; No easy prey for these vile mitred Moors. I, who received thy homage, may retort Thy threats, vain prelate, and abase thy pride.

p. 56

Opas. Low must be those whom mortal can sink lower, Nor high are they whom human power may raise.

Rod. Judge now: for, hear the signal.

Opas. And derides Thy buoyant heart the dubious gulphs of war? Trumpets may sound, and not to victory.

Rod. The traitor and his daughter feel my power.

Opas. Just God! avert it.

Rod. Seize this rebel priest. I will alone subdue my enemies.

p. 57ACT III. SCENE 2.

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