is to learn to suffer;

And he who knows not that was born for nothing. But put it most severely—should I live— Live long—alas, there is no length in time! Nor in thy time, oh, man!—What's fourscore years Nay, what, indeed, the age of time itself, Since cut from out eternity's wide round? Yet Leonora—she can make time long, Its nature alter, as she alter'd mine. While in the lustre of her charms I lay, Whole summer suns roll'd unperceiv'd away; I years for days, and days for moments, told, And was surpris'd to hear that I grew old. Now fate does rigidly its dues regain, And ev'ry moment is an age of pain.   Enter Zanga and Don Alonzo; Zanga stops Don Carlos.   Zan. 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.   Car. I cannot yield; nor can I bear his griefs. Alonzo![goes to him, and takes his hand.   Alon. Oh, Carlos!   Car. Pray, forbear.   Alon. Art thou undone, and shall Alonzo smile? Alonzo, who, perhaps, in some degree Contributed to cause thy dreadful fate? I was deputed guardian of thy love; But, oh! I lov'd myself! Pour down, afflictions! On this devoted head; make me your mark; And be the world by my example taught, How sacred it should hold the name of friend.   Car. You charge yourself unjustly: well I know The only cause of my severe affliction. Alvarez, curs'd Alvarez!—So much anguish Felt for so small a failure, is one merit Which faultless virtue wants. The crime was mine, Who plac'd thee there, where only thou couldst fail; Though well I knew that dreadful post of honour I gave thee to maintain. Ah! who could bear Those eyes unhurt? The wounds myself have felt (Which wounds alone should cause me to condemn thee,) They plead in thy excuse; for I too strove To shun those fires, and found 'twas not in man.   Alon. You cast in shades the failure of a friend, And soften all; but think not you deceive me; I know my guilt, and I implore your pardon, As the sole glimpse I can obtain of peace.   Car. Pardon for him, who but this morning threw Fair Leonora from his heart, all bath'd In ceaseless tears, and blushing for her love! Who, like a rose-leaf wet with morning dew, Would have stuck close, and clung for ever there! But 'twas in thee, through fondness for thy friend, To shut thy bosom against ecstacies; For which, while this pulse beats, it beats to thee; While this blood flows, it flows for my Alonzo, And every wish is levell'd at thy joy.   Zan. [to Alon.] My lord, my lord, this is your time to speak.   Alon. [to Zan.] Because he's kind? It therefore is the worst; Do I not see him quite possess'd with anguish, And shall I pour in new? No, fond desire; No, love: one pang at parting, and farewell, I have no other love but Carlos now.   Car. Alas! my friend, why with such eager grasp Dost press my hand, and weep upon my cheek?   Alon. If, after death, our forms (as some believe) Shall be transparent, naked every thought, And friends meet friends, and read each other's hearts, Thou'lt know one day that thou wast held most dear, Farewell.   Car. Alonzo, stop—he cannot speak—[holds him. Lest it should grieve me—Shall I be outdone? And lose in glory, as I lose in love?[aside. I take it much unkindly, my Alonzo, You think so meanly of me not to speak, When well I know your heart is near to bursting. Have you forgot how you have bound me to you? Your smallest friendship's liberty and life.   Alon. There, there it is, my friend; it cuts me there. How dreadful is it to a generous mind To ask, when sure it cannot be deny'd!   Car. How greatly thought! In all he towers above me. [aside. Then you confess you would ask something of me?   Alon. No, on my soul.   Zan. [to Alon.] Then lose her.   Car. Glorious spirit! Why, what a pang has he run through for this! By heaven, I envy him his agonies.[aside. My Alonzo! Since thy