Part 15 (1/2)

CAMILLO (on guard, clasping his wife).

”Tis well! I cry, to all we share.

Yea, life or death, 'tis well! 'tis well!'

MICHIELLA (stamps her foot).

'My heart 's a vessel tossed on h.e.l.l!'

LEONARDO (aside).

'Not in glad nuptials ends the day.'

ORSO (to Camilla).

'What is thy purpose with us?-say!'

CAMILLA (lowly).

'Unto my Father I have crossed For tidings of my Mother lost.'

ORSO.

'Thy mother dead!'

CAMILLA.

'She lives!'

MICHIELLA.

'Thou liest!

The tablets of the tomb defiest!

The Fates denounce, the Furies chase The wretch who lies in Reason's face.'

CAMILLA.

'Fly, then; for we are match'd to try Which is the idiot, thou or I'

MICHIELLA.

Graceless Camilla!'

ORSO 'Senseless girl!

I cherished thee a precious pearl, And almost owned thee child of mine.'

CAMILLA.

'Thou kept'st me like a gem, to s.h.i.+ne, Careless that I of blood am made; No longer be the end delay'd.

'Tis time to prove I have a heart- Forth from these walls of mine depart!

The ghosts within them are disturb'd Go forth, and let thy wrath be curb'd, For I am strong: Camillo's truth Has arm'd the visions of our youth.

Our union by the Head Supreme Is blest: our severance was the dream.

We who have drunk of blood and tears, Knew nothing of a mortal's fears.

Life is as Death until the strife In our just cause makes Death as Life.'

ORSO ”Tis madness?'

LEONARDO.

'Is it madness?'

CAMILLA.

'Men!