EGILONA _enters_: HERNANDO _goes_.
_Egi._ Oh, 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.
_Egi._ I hold no suit to them—restore, restore Roderigo.
_Jul._ He no longer is my prisoner.
_Egi._ Escapes he then?
_Jul._ Escapes he—dost thou say?
O Egilona! what unworthy passion—
_Egi._ Unworthy, when I loved him, was my passion;
The passion that now swells my heart is just.
_Jul._ What fresh reproaches hath he merited?
_Egi._ Deeprooted hatred shelters no reproach.
But whither is he gone?
_Jul._ Far from the walls.
_Egi._ And I knew nothing!
_Jul._ His offence was known
To thee at least.
_Egi._ Will it be expiated?
_Jul._ I trust it will.
_Egi._ This withering calm consumes me.
He marries then Covilla! ’twas for this
His people were excited to rebel,
His sceptre was thrown by, his vows were scorned,
And I—and I—
_Jul._ Cease, Egilona!
_Egi._ Cease?
Sooner shalt thou to live, than I to reign.