JULIAN _and_ EGILONA.
_Egil._ O fly me not because I am unhappy,
Because I am deserted fly me not.
It was not so before, it cannot be
Ever from Julian.
_Jul._ What would Egilona
That Julian’s power with her new lords can do?
Surely her own must there preponderate.
_Egil._ I hold no suit to them—restore, restore Roderigo.
_Jul._ He no longer is my prisoner.
_Egil._ Escapes he then?
_Jul._ Escapes he—dost thou say?
O Egilona! what unworthy passion—
_Egil._ Unworthy, when I loved him, was my passion,
The passion that now swells my heart, is just.
_Jul._ What fresh reproaches hath he merited?
_Egil._ Deeprooted hatred shelters no reproach.
But whither is he gone.
_Jul._ Far from the walls.
_Egil._ And I knew nothing!—
_Jul._ His offence was known
To thee at least.
_Egil._ Will it be expiated?
[_After some hesitation_.
_Jul._ I trust it will.
_Egil._ This withering calm consumes me.
He marries then Covilla! ’twas for this
His people were excited to rebell,
His sceptre was thrown by, his vows were scorn’d,
And I—and I—
_Jul._ Cease, Egilona!
_Egil._ Cease?
Sooner shalt thou to live, than I to reign.