Hard to converse with, to admire, to love -
As from my soul I do, and must do, thee -
One who hath robbed me of all pride and joy,
All dignity, all fondness. I adored
Roderigo--he was brave, and in discourse
Most voluble; the masses of his mind
Were vast, but varied; now absorbed in gloom,
Majestic, not austere; now their extent
Opening, and waving in bright levity -

JUL. Depart, my daughter--'twere as well to bear
His presence as his praise--go--she will dream
This phantasm out, nor notice thee depart.
[COVILLA goes.

EGI. What pliancy! what tenderness! what life!
Oh for the smiles of those who smile so seldom,
The love of those who know no other love!
Such he was, Egilona, who was thine.

JUL. While he was worthy of the realm and thee.

EGI. Can it be true, then, Julian, that thy aim
Is sovereignty? not virtue, nor revenge?

JUL. I swear to Heaven, nor I nor child of mine
Ever shall mount to this polluted throne.

EGI. Then am I still a queen. The savage Moor
Who could not conquer Ceuta from thy sword,