mate!'

MICHIELLA (torn with jealous rage).

              'Yea; I could smite her on the face.
               Father, first read the thing's disgrace.
               I grudge them, honourable death.
               Put poison in their latest breath!'

ORSO (his left arm extended).

              'You twain are sundered: hear with awe
               The judgement of the Source of Law.'

CAMILLA (smiling confidently).

              'Not such, when I was at the Source,
               It said to me;—but take thy course.'

ORSO (astounded).

'Thither thy steps were bent?'

MICHIELLA (spurning verbal controversy).

                                   'She feigns!
               A thousand swords are in my veins.
               Friends! soldiers I strike them down, the pair!'

CAMILLO (on guard, clasping his wife).

              ''Tis well! I cry, to all we share.
               Yea, life or death, 'tis well! 'tis well!'

MICHIELLA (stamps her foot).

'My heart 's a vessel tossed on hell!'

LEONARDO (aside).

'Not in glad nuptials ends the day.'

ORSO (to Camilla).

'What is thy purpose with us?—say !'

                    CAMILLA (lowly).
              'Unto my Father I have crossed
               For tidings of my Mother lost.'

                    ORSO.
               'Thy mother dead!'

                    CAMILLA.
                                   'She lives!'

                    MICHIELLA.
                                   'Thou liest!
               The tablets of the tomb defiest!
               The Fates denounce, the Furies chase
               The wretch who lies in Reason's face.'

                    CAMILLA.
              'Fly, then; for we are match'd to try
               Which is the idiot, thou or I'

                    MICHIELLA.
               Graceless Camilla!'

                    ORSO
                              'Senseless girl!
               I cherished thee a precious pearl,
               And almost owned thee child of mine.'