Whether first nature , or long want of peace , Has wrought my mind to this , I cannot tell ; But horrors now are not displeasing to me : Enter Isabella . Who 's there ? My love ! The dead alone in such a night can rest , And I indulge my meditation here . Woman , away . I choose to be alone . In tears ? thou fool ! then hear me , and be plung 'd In hell 's abyss , if ever it escape thee . To strike thee with astonishment at once — I hate Alonzo . First recover that , And then thou shalt hear further . Hear then . ‘ Tis twice three years since that great man Made me the captive of his arm in fight . He slew my father , and threw chains o'er me , While I with pious rage pursu 'd revenge . I then was young ; he plac 'd me near his person , And thought me not dishonour 'd by his service . One day For something , or for nothing , in his pride He struck me . He smote me on the cheek — I did not stab him , For that were poor revenge — E'er since , his folly Has strove to bury it beneath a heap Of kindnesses , and thinks it is forgot . Insolent thought ! and like a second blow ! Affronts are innocent , where men are worthless ; And such alone can wisely drop revenge . Yes , woman , with the temper that befits it . Has the dark adder venom ? So have I When trod upon . Proud Spaniard , thou shalt feel me ! For from that day , that day of my dishonour , From that day have I curs 'd the rising sun , Which never fail 'd to tell me of my shame . From that day have I bless 'd the coming night , Which promis 'd to conceal it ; but in vain ; The blow return 'd for ever in my dream . Yet on I toil 'd , and groan 'd for an occasion Of ample vengeance ; none has yet arriv 'd . Howe'er , at present , I conceive warm hopes Of what may wound him sore in his ambition , Life of his life , and dearer than his soul . By nightly march he purpos 'd to surprise The Moorish camp ; but I have taken care They shall be ready to receive his favour . Failing in this , a cast of utmost moment , Would darken all the conquests he has won . To whom ? Be propitious , Oh ! Mahomet , on this important hour , And give at length my famish 'd soul revenge ! What is revenge , but courage to call in Our honour 's debts , and wisdom to convert Others ’ self-love into our own protection ? But see , the morning dawn breaks in upon us ; I 'll seek don Carlos , and inquire my fate . Manuel , my lord , returning from the port , On business both of moment and of haste , Humbly begs leave to speak in private with you . My lord Alonzo , I obey 'd your orders . She will , my lord , and soon . Thanks to Zanga , We hear , my lord , that in that action too , Your interposing arm preserv 'd his life . Hadst thou a thousand lives , thy death would please me . Unhappy fate ! my country overcome ! My six years ’ hope of vengeance quite expir 'd !— Would nature were — I will not fall alone : But others ’ groans shall tell the world my death . If this be true , I cannot blame your pain For wretched Carlos ; ‘ tis but humane in you . But when arriv 'd your dismal news ? What , not a vessel sav 'd ? Is Alvarez Determin 'd to deny his daughter to him . That treasure was on shore ; must that too join The common wreck ? How does don Carlos bear it ? But is he then in absolute despair ? Ha ! was not that receiv 'd with ecstasy By don Alonzo ? Not if his friend consented : and since now He can n't himself espouse her — Ha , it dawns !— It rises to me , like a new-found world To mariners long time distress 'd at sea , Sore from a storm , and all their viands spent ; Or like the sun just rising out of chaos , Some dregs of ancient night not quite purg 'd off . But shall I finish it ?— Hoa , Isabella ! Enter Isabella . I thought of dying ; better things come forward ; Vengeance is still alive ! from her dark covert , With all her snakes erect upon her crest , She stalks in view , and fires me with her charms . When , Isabella , arriv 'd don Carlos here ? That was the very night Before the battle — Mem'ry , set down that ; It has the essence of a crocodile , Though yet but in the shell — I 'll give it birth — What time did he return ? So — Say , did he see that night his Leonora ? No matter — tell me , woman , Is not Alonzo rather brave than cautious , Honest than subtle , above fraud himself , Slow , therefore , to suspect it in another ? Why , that was well — go , fetch my tablets hither . Re-enter Isabella , with the tablets ; Zanga writes , then reads as to himself . Thus it stands — The father 's fix 'd — Don Carlos cannot wed — Alonzo may — but that will hurt his friend — Nor can he ask his leave — or , if he did , He might not gain it — It is hard to give Our own consent to ills , though we must bear them . Were it not then a master-piece worth all The wisdom I can boast , first to persuade Alonzo to request it of his friend , His friend to grant — then from that very grant , The strongest proof of friendship man can give, to work out a cause Of jealousy , to rack Alonzo 's peace ? I have turn 'd o'er the catalogue of human woes , Which sting the heart of man , and find none equal . It is the hydra of calamities , The sev'nfold death ; the jealous are the damn 'd . Oh , jealousy , each other passion 's calm To thee , thou conflagration of the soul ! Thou king of torments , thou grand counterpoise For all the transports beauty can inspire ! Most opportunely .— Withdraw . Enter Don Alonzo . My lord , I give you joy . Is not the lovely Leonora yours ? He 's your friend ; And since he can n't espouse the fair himself , Will take some comfort from Alonzo 's fortune . You will not wed her then ? I understand you : but you 'll wed hereafter , When your friend 's gone , and his first pain assuag 'd . My lord , I love Your very errors ; they are born from virtue . Your friendship does lead you blindfold to your ruin . Consider , wherefore did Alvarez break Don Carlos ’ match , and wherefore urge Alonzo 's ? ‘ Twas the same cause , the love of wealth . To-morrow May see Alonzo in don Carlos ’ fortune ; A higher bidder is a better friend , And there are princes sigh for Leonora . When your friend 's gone , you 'll wed ; why , then the cause Which gives you Leonora now , will cease . Carlos has lost her ; should you lose her too , Why , then you heap new torments on your friend , By that respect which labour 'd to relieve him — ‘ Tis well , he is disturb 'd ; it makes him pause . I know , it would . Methinks , you are severe upon your friend . Who was it gave him liberty and life ? My lord , you know the sad alternative . Is Leonora worth one pang or not ? It hurts not me , my lord , but as I love you : Warmly as you I wish don Carlos well ; But I am likewise don Alonzo 's friend : There all the diff'rence lies between us two . In me , my lord , you hear another self ; And , give me leave to add , a better too , Clear 'd from those errors , which , though caus 'd by virtue , Are such as may hereafter give you pain — Don Lopez of Castile would not demur thus . Half of my work is done . I must secure Don Carlos , ere Alonzo speak with him .Proud , hated Spain , oft drench 'd in Moorish blood ! Dost thou not feel a deadly foe within thee ? Shake not the tow'rs where'er I pass along , Conscious of ruin , and their great destroyer ? Shake to the centre , if Alonzo 's dear . Look down , oh , holy prophet ! see me torture This Christian dog , this infidel , who dares To smite thy votaries , and spurn thy law ; And yet hopes pleasure from two radiant eyes , Which look as they were lighted up for thee ! Shall he enjoy thy paradise below ? Blast the bold thought , and curse him with her charms ! But see , the melancholy lover comes . My noble lord , I mourn your fate : but are no hopes surviving ? You wanted not to have your heart made tender , By your own pains , to feel a friend 's distress . I dare be sworn you do . Yet he has other thoughts . Indeed he has ; and fears to ask a favour A stranger from a stranger might request ; What costs you nothing , yet is all to him : Nay , what indeed will to your glory add , For nothing more than wishing your friend well . He loves to death ; but so reveres his friend , He can n't persuade his heart to wed the maid Without your leave , and that he fears to ask . In perfect tenderness I urg 'd him to it . Knowing the deadly sickness of his heart , Your overflowing goodness to your friend , Your wisdom , and despair yourself to wed her , I wrung a promise from him he would try : And now I come , a mutual friend to both , Without his privacy , to let you know it , And to prepare you kindly to receive him . Alas , my lord , you know his heart is steel : “ ‘ Tis fixed , ‘ tis past , ‘ tis absolute despair . ” A storm of plagues upon him ! he refuses . To-day , or never . To-morrow may some wealthier lover bring , And then Alonzo is thrown out like you : Then whom shall he condemn for his misfortune ? Carlos is an Alvarez to his love . To peace . His happiness is yours —— I dare not disbelieve you . You have convinc 'd me ‘ tis a dreadful task . I find Alonzo 's quitting her this morning For Carlos ’ sake , in tenderness to you , Betray 'd me to believe it less severe Than I perceive it is . No , my good lord ; but since you can n't comply , ‘ Tis my misfortune that I mention 'd it ; For had I not , Alonzo would indeed Have died , as now , but not by your decree . My lord , I 'm bound in duty to obey you —— If I not bring him , may Alonzo prosper ! Is this don Carlos ? this the boasted friend ? How can you turn your back upon his sadness ? Look on him , and then leave him if you can . My lord , my lord , this is your time to speak . Then lose her . Thus far success has crown 'd my boldest hope . My next care is to hasten these new nuptials , And then my master-works begin to play . O joy , thou welcome stranger ! twice three years I have not felt thy vital beam ; but now It warms my veins , and plays around my heart : A fiery instinct lifts me from the ground , And I could mount !— the spirits numberless Of my dear countrymen , which yesterday Left their poor bleeding bodies on the field , Are all assembled here , and o'erhYpppHeNinform me .— O , bridegroom ! great indeed thy present bliss ; Yet even by me unenvy 'd ! for be sure It is thy last , thy last smile , that which now Sits on thy cheek ; enjoy it while thou may'st ; Anguish , and groans , and death , bespeak to-morrow . Enter Isabella . My Isabella ! My fair ally ! my lovely minister ! ‘ Twas well , Alvarez , by my arts impell 'd , Finish 'd the nuptials soon as he resolv 'd them ; This conduct ripen 'd all for me and ruin . Scarce had the priest the holy rites perform 'd , When I , by sacred inspiration , forg 'd That letter which I trusted to thy hand ; That letter , which in glowing terms conveys , From happy Carlos to fair Leonora , The most profound acknowledgement of heart , For wondrous transports which he never knew . This is a good subservient artifice , To aid the nobler workings of my brain . With a lucky hand ; For soon Alonzo found it ; I observ 'd him From out my secret stand . He took it up ; But scarce was it unfolded to his sight , When he , as if an arrow pierc 'd his eye , Started , and trembling dropp 'd it on the ground . Pale and aghast awhile my victim stood , Disguis 'd a sigh or two , and puff 'd them from him ; Then rubb 'd his brow and took it up again . At first he look 'd as if he meant to read it ; But check 'd by rising fears he crush 'd it thus , And thrust it , like an adder , in his bosom . At first I thought so ; But farther thought informs me otherwise , And turns this disappointment to account . This , Isabella , is don Carlos ’ picture ; Take it , and so dispose of it , that found , It may raise up a witness of her love ; Under her pillow , in her cabinet , Or elsewhere , as shall best promote our end . Is that Alonzo prostrate on the ground ?— Now he starts up like flame from sleeping embers , And wild distraction glares from either eye . If thus a slight surmise can work his soul , How will the fulness of the tempest tear him ? He doubts . Hold there , and we succeed . He has descry 'd me . And will unfold His aching heart , and rest it on my counsel . I 'll seem to go , to make my stay more sure . My lord . My lord 's obey 'd . If I do love , my lord ? Speak , sir , O , speak , And take me from the rack . Save me , my lord ! Then heaven has lost its image here on earth . Did you not read it then ? Thus perish all that gives Alonzo pain ! Think of it no more . ‘ Twas your mistake , and groundless are your fears . Is this Alonzo 's language to his Zanga ? Draw forth your sword , and find the secret here . For whose sake is it , think you , I conceal it ? Wherefore this rage ? Because I seek your peace ? I have no interest in suppressing it , But what good-natur 'd tenderness for you Obliges me to have . Not mine the heart That will be rent in two . Not mine the fame That will be damn 'd , though all the world should know it . What has the rashness of my passion utter 'd ? I know not what ; but rage is our destruction , And all its words are wind — Yet sure , I think , I nothing own 'd — but grant I did confess , What is a letter ? letters may be forg 'd . For heav'n ' s sweet sake , my lord , lift up your heart . Some foe to your repose — Indeed ! — Our innocence is not our shield . They take offence , who have not been offended ; They seek our ruin too , who speak us fair , And death is often ambush 'd in their smiles . ‘ Tis certain A letter may be forg 'd , and in a point Of such a dreadful consequence as this , One would rely on nought that might be false — Think , have you any other cause to doubt her ? Away , you can find none . Resume your spirit ; All 's well again . It is ; For who could credit that , which , credited , Makes hell superfluous by superior pains , Without such proofs as cannot be withstood ? Has she not ever been to virtue train 'd ? Is not her fame as spotless as the sun , Her sex 's envy , and the boast of Spain ? No more , my lord , for you condemn yourself . What is absurdity , but to believe Against appearance !— You can n't yet , I find , Subdue your passion to your better sense ;— And , truth to tell , it does not much displease me . ‘ Tis fit our indiscretions should be check 'd With some degree of pain . Come , you must bear to hear your faults from me . Had you not sent don Carlos to the court The night before the battle , that foul slave , Who forg 'd the senseless scroll which gives you pain , Had wanted footing for his villany . Not send him !— Ha !— That strikes me . I thought he came on message to the king . Is there another cause could justify His shunning danger , and the promis 'd fight ? But I perhaps may think too rigidly ; So long an absence , and impatient love — You wrong him ; He knew not of your love . That stings home . Were then their loves far gone ? Indeed , my lord ; then you must pardon me , If I presume to mitigate the crime . Consider , strong allurements soften guilt ; Long was his absence , ardent was his love , At midnight his return , the next day destin 'd For his espousals — ‘ twas a strong temptation . ‘ Twas but gaining of one night . That crime could ne'er return again . My lord , I hope the best . What says my lord ? Did Leonora then Never before disclose her passion for you ? Throughout the whole three years ? Hold , sir , I 'll break your fall — wave ev'ry fear , And be a man again — Had he enjoy 'd her , Be most assur 'd , he had resign 'd her to you With less reluctance . But was it not with utmost agony ? Was't his request ? Are you right sure of that ? I fear the letter was not all a tale . I should distrust my sight on this occasion . You now are too much ruffled to think clearly . Since bliss and horror , life and death , hang on it , Go to your chamber , there maturely weigh Each circumstance ; consider , above all , That it is jealousy 's peculiar nature To swell small things to great ; nay , out of nought To conjure much , and then to lose its reason Amid the hideous phantoms it has form 'd . Thus far it works auspiciously . My patient Thrives , underneath my hand , in misery . He 's gone to think ; that is , to be distracted . There , There , Isabella , I out-did myself . For , tearing it , I not secure it only In its first force , but superadd a new . For who can now the character examine To cause a doubt , much less detect the fraud ? And after tearing it , as loth to show The foul contents , if I should swear it now A forgery , my lord would disbelieve me , Nay , more , would disbelieve the more I swore . But is the picture happily dispos 'd of ? That 's well — Ah ! what is well ? O pang to think ! O dire necessity ! is this my province ? Whither , my soul ! ah ! whither art thou sunk ? Does this become a soldier ? this become Whom armies follow 'd , and a people lov 'd ? My martial glory withers at the thought . But great my end ; and since there are no other , These means are just , they shine with borrow 'd light , Illustrious from the purpose they pursue . And greater sure my merit , who , to gain A point sublime , can such a task sustain ; To wade through ways obscene , my honour bend , And shock my nature , to attain my end . Late time shall wonder ; that my joys will raise : For wonder is involuntary praise . O , forbear ! You totter on the very brink of ruin . That will discover all , And kill my hopes . What can I think or do ? Force the secret from her ! What 's perjury to such a crime as this ? Will she confess it then ? O , groundless hope ! But rest assur 'd , she 'll make this accusation , Or false or true , your ruin with the king ; Such is her father 's pow'r . But for what better will you change this load ? Grant you should know it , would not that be worse ? Ah ! were I sure of that , my lord — You should not hazard life to gain the secret . That is , to death . My lord , I am not yet Quite so far gone in guilt to suffer it ; Though gone too far , heav'n knows — ‘ Tis I am guilty ; I have took pains , as you , I know , observ 'd , To hinder you from diving in the secret , And turn 'd aside your thoughts from the detection . I confound myself ; And frankly own , though to my shame I own it , Nought but your life in danger could have torn The secret out , and made me own my crime . Not yet , dread sir : First , I must be assur 'd , that if you find The fair one guilty , scorn , as you assur 'd me , Shall conquer love and rage , and heal your soul . Alas ! I fear it much , And scarce can hope so far ; but I of this Exact your solemn oath , that you 'll abstain From all self-violence , and save my lord . You 'll bear it like a man ? Such have you been to me , these tears confess it ; And pour 'd forth miracles of kindness on me : And what amends is now within my pow'r , But to confess , expose myself to justice , And as a blessing claim my punishment ? Know then , don Carlos — You cannot bear it . Don Carlos did return at dead of night — That night , by chance did I Command the watch that guards the palace gate . He told me he had letters for the king , Despatch 'd from you . My lord , I pray , forbear — Transported at his sight , After so long a bondage , and your friend , No farther I inquir 'd , but let him pass , False to my trust , at least imprudent in it . Our watch reliev 'd , I went into the garden , As is my custom , when the night 's serene , And took a moon-light walk : when soon I heard A rustling in an arbour that was near me . I saw two lovers in each other 's arms , Embracing and embrac 'd . Anon the man Arose ; and , falling back some paces from her , Gaz 'd ardently awhile , then rush 'd at once , And , throwing all himself into her bosom , There softly sigh 'd , “ Oh , night of ecstasy ! When shall we meet again ? ” — Don Carlos then Led Leonora forth . Groan on , and with the sound refresh my soul ! ‘ Tis through his heart ; his knees smite one another : ‘ Tis through his brain ; his eye-balls roll in anguish . You said you 'd bear it like a man . Pray , be calm . Is this the wise Alonzo ? Alas ! he weeps . My lord ! And I would pledge thee . My lord ! Hear me , my lord ; your anger will abate . I knew it not :— I saw them in the garden ; But saw no more than you might well expect To see in lovers destin 'd for each other . By heav'n , I thought their meeting innocent . Who could suspect fair Leonora 's virtue , ‘ Till after-proofs conspir 'd to blacken it ? Sad proofs , which came too late , which broke not out , ‘ Till holy rites had made the wanton yours ; And then , I own , I labour 'd to conceal it , In duty and compassion to your peace . I fear , his heart has fail 'd him . She must die . Can I not rouse the snake that 's in his bosom , To sting out human nature , and effect it ? I think , my lord , you talk 'd of death . I give you joy , then Leonora 's dead . Alas , my lord , ‘ Tis not your reason , but her beauty , finds Those arguments , and throws you on your sword . You cannot close an eye that is so bright , You cannot strike a breast that is so soft , That has ten thousand ecstasies in store — For Carlos ?— No , my lord , I mean for you . I know not what to answer to my lord . Men are but men ; we did not make ourselves . Farewell then , my best lord , since you must die . Oh , that I were to share your monument , And in eternal darkness close these eyes Against those scenes which I am doom 'd to suffer ! And is it then unknown ? Oh , grief of heart , to think that you should ask it ! Sure you distrust that ardent love I bear you , Else could you doubt when you are laid in dust — But it will cut my poor heart through and through , To see those revel on your sacred tomb , Who brought you thither by their lawless loves . For there they 'll revel , and exult to find Him sleep so fast , who else might mar their joys . I 'll work him to the murder of his friend . I dare not disobey . Ah , sir ! think , think again . Are all men buried In Carlos ’ grave ? you know not womankind : When once the throbbing of the heart has broke The modest zone , with which it first was ty 'd , Each man she meets will be a Carlos to her . You cannot die ; nor can you murder her . What then remains ? In nature no third way , But to forget , and so to love again . If you forgive , the world will call you good ; If you forget , the world will call you wise ; If you receive her to your grace again , The world will call you — very , very kind . That 's truly great . What think you ‘ twas set up The Greek and Roman name in such a lustre , But doing right in stern despite to nature ; Shutting their ears to all her little cries , When great , august , and godlike justice call 'd ? At Aulis , one pour 'd out a daughter 's life , And gain 'd more glory than by all his wars ; Another , slew a sister in just rage ; A third , the theme of all succeeding times , Gave to the cruel axe a darling son : Nay more , for justice some devote themselves , As he at Carthage , an immortal name ! Yet there is one step left above them all , Above their history , above their fable : A wife , bride , mistress , unenjoy 'd — do that , And tread upon the Greek and Roman glory . I obey 'd your order . Six ruffians overtook him on the road ; He fought as he was wont , and four he slew . Then sunk beneath an hundred wounds to death . His last breath blest Alonzo , and desir 'd His bones might rest near yours . I told her , from your childhood you was wont , On any great surprise , but chiefly then When cause of sorrow bore it company , To have your passion shake the seat of reason ; A momentary ill , which soon blew o'er : Then did I tell her of don Carlos ’ death , And laid the blame on that . At first she doubted ; But such the honest artifice I us 'd , And such her ardent wish it should be true , That she , at length , was fully satisfied . But what design you , sir , and how ? Why , get thee gone ! horror and night go with thee . Sisters of Acheron , go hand in hand , Go dance around the bow'r , and close them ; And tell them , that I sent you to salute them Profane the ground ; and for th ’ ambrosial rose , And breath of jess'mine , let hemlock blacken , And deadly nightshade poison , all the air . For the sweet nightingale , may ravens croak , Toads pant , and adders rustle through the leaves ; May serpents winding up the trees let fall Their hissing necks upon them from above , And mingle kisses — such as I would give them . Death to my tow'ring hope ! Oh ! fall from high ! My close , long-labour 'd scheme at once is blasted , That dagger , found , will cause her to inquire ; Inquiry will discover all ; my hopes Of vengeance perish ; I myself am lost — Curse on the coward 's heart ; wither his hand , Which held the steel in vain !— what can be done ? Where can I fix ?— that 's something still — ‘ twill breed Fell rage and bitterness betwixt their souls , Which may , perchance , grow up to greater evil : If not , ‘ tis all I can — It shall be so — Yours , madam , yours . Carry you goodness then to such extremes , So blinded to the faults of him you love , That you perceive not he is jealous ? Some villain ; who , hell knows ; but he is jealous ; And ‘ tis most fit a heart so pure as yours Do itself justice , and assert its honour , And make him conscious of his stab to virtue . This succeeds Just to my wish . Now she , with violence , Upbraids him ; he , not doubting she is guilty , Rages no less ; and if on either side The waves run high , there still lives hope of ruin . Re-enter Alonzo . My lord — My lord , her guilt — How stands the great account ‘ twixt me and vengeance ? Though much is paid , yet still it owes me much , And I will not abate a single groan — Ha ! that were well — but that were fatal too — Why , be it so — Revenge so truly great , Would come too cheap , if bought with less than life . Re-enter Isabella . Welters in blood , and gasps for her last breath . What then ? we all must die . Begone . Now , now , my soul , consummate all . Re-enter Alonzo . Do not tremble so ; but speak . You will drown me with your tears . As yet , you have no cause . Your anguish is to come : You much have been abus 'd . To know , were little comfort . Indeed ! Born for your use , I live but to oblige you . Know , then , ‘ twas — I . For ever . Thy wife is guiltless — that 's one transport to me ; And I , I let thee know it — that 's another . I urg 'd don Carlos to resign his mistress , I forg 'd the letter , I dispos 'd the picture ; I hated , I despis 'd , and I destroy ! Why , this is well — why , this is blow for blow ! Where are you ? crown me , shadow me with laurels , Ye spirits which delight in just revenge ! Let Europe and her pallid sons go weep ; Let Afric and her hundred thrones rejoice : Oh , my dear countrymen , look down and see How I bestride your prostrate conqueror ! I tread on haughty Spain , and all her kings . But this is mercy , this is my indulgence ; ‘ Tis peace , ‘ tis refuge from my indignation . I must awake him into horrors . Hoa ! Alonzo , hoa ! the Moor is at the gate ! Awake , invincible , omnipotent ! Thou who dost all subdue ! Fall'n Christian , thou mistak'st my character . Look on me . Who am I ? I know , thou say'st The Moor , a slave , an abject , beaten slave : But look again . Has six years ’ cruel bondage Extinguish 'd majesty so far , that nought Shines here to give an awe of one above thee ? When the great Moorish king , Abdallah , fell , Fell by thy hand accurs 'd , I fought fast by him , His son , though , through his fondness , in disguise , Less to expose me to th ’ ambitious foe .— Ha ! does it wake thee ?— O'er my father 's corse I stood astride till I had clove thy crest ; And then was made the captive of a squadron , And sunk into thy servant — But , oh ! what , What were my wages ? Hear not heaven , nor earth ! My wages were a blow ! by heaven , a blow ! And from a mortal hand ! All strife is vain . Must I despise thee too , as well as hate thee ? Complain of grief , complain thou art a man .— Priam from fortune 's lofty summit fell ; Great Alexander ‘ midst his conquests mourn 'd ; Heroes and demi-gods have known their sorrows ; Cæsars have wept ; and I have had — my blow : But , ‘ tis reveng 'd , and now my work is done . Yet , ere I fall , be it one part of vengeance To force thee to confess that I am just .— Thou seest a prince , whose father thou hast slain , Whose native country thou hast laid in blood , Whose sacred person thou hast profan 'd , Whose reign extinguish 'd — what was left to me , So highly born ? No kingdom , but revenge ; No treasure , but thy tortures and thy groans . If men should ask who brought thee to thy end , Tell them , the Moor , and they will not despise thee . If cold white mortals censure this great deed , Warn them , they judge not of superior beings , Souls made of fire , and children of the sun , With whom revenge is virtue . Fare thee well — Now , fully satisfied , I should take leave : But one thing grieves me , since thy death is near , I leave thee my example how to die . As he is going to stab himself , Alonzo rushes upon him to prevent him . In the mean time , enter Don Alvarez , attended . They disarm and seize Zanga , Alonzo puts the dagger in his bosom . As I have been a vulture to thy heart , So will I be a raven to thine ear , As true as ever snuff 'd the scent of blood , As ever flapp 'd its heavy wing against The window of the sick , and croak 'd despair . Thy wife is dead . This too is well . The fix 'd and noble mind Turns all occurrence to its own advantage ; And I 'll make vengeance of calamity . Were I not thus reduc 'd , thou wouldst not know , That , thus reduc 'd , I dare defy thee still . Torture thou may'st , but thou shall ne'er despise me . The blood will follow where the knife is driven , The flesh will quiver where the pincers tear , And sighs and cries by nature grow on pain . But these are foreign to the soul : not mine The groans that issue , or the tears that fall ; They disobey me ; on the rack I scorn thee , As when my falchion clove thy helm in battle . While I live , old man , I 'll speak . And , well I know , thou dar'st not kill me yet ; For that would rob thy blood-hounds of their prey . Good ruffians , give me leave ; my blood is yours , The wheel 's prepar 'd , and you shall have it all . Let me but look one moment on the dead , And pay yourselves with gazing on my pangs .