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.