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SCENE ii] THE MOURNING BRIDE 387
This sight, which is indeed not seen (though twice
The multitude should gaze) in absence of your eyes.
Aim. My lord, my eyes ungratefully behold
The gilded trophies of exterior honours.
Nor will my ears be charmed with sounding words,
Or pompous phrase; the pageantry of souls.
But that my father is returned in safety,
I bend to Heaven with thanks.
Con. Excellent princess!
But 'tis a task unfit for my weak age,
With dying words, to offer at your praise.
Garcia, my son, your beauty's lowest slave,
Has better done, in proving with his sword
The force and influence of your matchless charms.
Aim. I doubt not of the worth of Garcia's deeds,
Which had been brave, though I had ne'er been born.
Leon. Madam, the king! [Flourish.
Aim. My women! I would meet him.
[Attendants to ALMLRIA enter in mourning.
SCENE II
The Same
Symphony of warlike music. Enter MANUEL, attended by
GARCIA and several Officers. Files of Prisoners in
chains, and Guards, who are ranged in order round
the stage. ALMERIA, attended by LEONORA, advances
to meet MANUEL, and kneels; afterwards GoNSALEZ
[neels, and pisses MANUEL'S hand, while GARCIA does
the same to ALMERIA.
Man. Almeria, rise!—My best Gonsalez, rise!
What, tears! my good old friend!
Gon. But tears of joy.
Believe me, sir, to see you thus has filled
My eyes with more delight than they can hold.
Man. By Heaven, thou lovest me, and I'm phased thou
dost!
Take it for thanks, old man, that I rejoice
To see thee weep on this occasion.—Some
Here are, who seem to mourn at our success!
Why is't, Almeria, that you meet our eyes,