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SCENE i] THE MOURNING BRIDE 42]
Gon. That were too hard a thought—but see she comes
'Twere not amiss to question her a little,
And try, howe'er, if I've divined aright.
If what I fear be true, she'll be concerned
For Osmyn's death, as he's Alphonso's friend.
Urge that, to try if she'll solicit for him.
Enter ALMERIA and LEDNURA.
Man. Your coming has prevented me, Almeria;
I had determined to have sent for you.
Let your attendant be dismissed; I have
To talk with you. [Exit LEONORA.] Come near; why dost
thou shake?
What mean those swollen and red-flecked eyes, that look
As they had wept in blood, and worn the night
In waking anguish P Why this, on the day
Which was designed to celebrate thy nuptials;
But that the beams of light are to be stained
With reeking gore, from traitors on the rack?
Wherefore I have deferred the marriage rites;
Nor shall the guilty horrors of this day
Profane that jubilee.
Aim. All days to me
Henceforth are equal; this the day of death,
To-morrow, and the next, and each that follows,
With undistinguished roll, and but prolong
One hated line of more extended woe.
Man. Whence is thy grief? give me to know the cause,
And look thou answer me with truth; for know,
I am not unacquainted with thy falsehood.
Why art thou mute? base and degenerate maid!
Gon. Dear madam, speak, or you'll incense the king.
Aim. What is*t to speak? or wherefore should I speak?
What mean these tears, but grief unutterable!
Man. They are the dumb confessions of thy mind,
They mean thy guilt; and say thou wert confederate
With damned conspirators to take my life.
O impious parricide! now canst thou speak?
Aim. D earth, behold, I kneel upon thy bosom!
And bend my flowing eyes, to stream upon
Thy face, imploring thee that thou wilt yield;
Open thy bowels of coripassion, take