GARC. Alas. Eliza, feel for my great misfortune; take pity on a heart
full of wretchedness, and given up to the bitterest sorrow.
EL. I should look upon your torments, my Lord, with other eyes than the
Princess does; Heaven or our mood is the reason why we judge differently
about everything. But, as she blames you, and fancies your jealousy to
be a frightful monster, if I were in your place I should obey her
wishes, and endeavour to conceal from her eyes what offends them. A
lover undoubtedly acts wisely when he tries to suit his temper to ours;
a hundred acts of politeness have less influence than this unison, which
makes two hearts appear as if stirred by the same feelings. This
similarity firmly unites them; for we love nothing so much as what
resembles ourselves.
GARC. I know it, but alas! merciless fate opposes such a well
intentioned plan; in spite of all my endeavours, it continually lays a
snare for me, which my heart cannot avoid. It is not because the
ungrateful woman, in the presence of my rival, avowed her love for him,
and not for me; and that with such an excess of tenderness, that it is
impossible I can ever forget her cruelty. But as too much ardour led me
to believe erroneously that she had introduced him into this place, I
should be very much annoyed if I left upon her mind the impression that
she has any just cause of complaint against me. Yes, if I am abandoned,
it shall be only through her faithlessness; for as I have come to beg
her pardon for my impetuosity, she shall have no excuse for ingratitude.
EL. Give a little time for her resentment to cool, and do not see her
again so soon, my Lord.
GARC. Ah! if you love me, induce her to see me; she must grant me that
permission; I do not leave this spot until her cruel disdain at
least....
EL. Pray, my Lord, defer this purpose.
GARC. No; make no more idle excuses.
EL. (_Aside_). The Princess herself must find means to send him away, if
she says but one word to him. (_To Don Garcia_). Stay here, my Lord, I
shall go and speak to her.
GARC. Tell her that I instantly dismissed the person whose information
was the cause of my offence, that Don Lopez shall never...