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SCENE II] THE MOURNING BRIDE 389
To-day.—Retire, divest yourself with speed
Of that offensive black; on me be all
The violation of your vow: for you,
It shall be your excuse, that I command it.
Gar. [Kneeling.] Your pardon, sir, if I presume so far,
As to remind you of your gracious promise.
Man. Rise, Garcia—I forgot. Yet stay, Almcria.
Aim. My boding heart!—What is your pleasure, sir?
Man. Draw near, and give your hand; and, Garcia, yours:
Receive this lord, as one whom I have found
Worthy to be your husband, and my son.
Gar. Thus let me kneel to take—O not to take—
But to devote and yield myself for ever
The slave and creature of my royal mistress!
Gon. D let me prostrate pay my worthless thanks—
Man. No more; my promise long since passed, thy services,
And Garcia's well-tried valour, all oblige me.
This day we triumph; but to-morrow's sun,
Garcia, shall shine to grace thy nuptials.
Aim. Oh! [Faints.
Gar. She faints! help to support her.
Gon. She recovers.
Man. A fit of bridal fear; how is't, Almeria?
Aim. A sudden chillness seizes on my spirits.
Your leave, sir, to retire.
Man. Garcia, conduct her.
[GARCIA leads ALMERIA to the door and returns.
This idle vow hangs on her woman's fears.
Til have a priest shall preach her from her faith,
And make it sin not to renounce that vow
Which I'd have broken.—
Enter ALDNZD.
Now, what would Alonzo?
Alon. Your beauteous captive, Zara, is arrived,
And with a train as if she still were wife
To Abucacim, and the Moor had conquered.
Man. It is our will she should be So attended.
Bear hence these prisoners. Garcia, which is he,
Of whose mute valour you relate such wonders?
[Prisoners led off.