order to remove any scruples, I must distinctly say that I love you;
perhaps even, to make more sure of it, you will insist that I must swear
it too.

GARC. Well, Madam, I own I am too bold; I ought to be satisfied with
everything that pleases you. I desire no further information. I believe
you feel kindly towards me, that my love inspires you even with a little
compassion; I am happier than I deserve to be. It is over now; I abandon
my jealous suspicions; the sentence which condemns them is very
agreeable; I shall obey the decision you so kindly pronounce, and free
my heart from their unfounded sway.

ELV. You promise a great deal, Prince, but I very much doubt whether you
can restrain yourself sufficiently.

GARC. Ah! Madam, you may believe me; it is enough that what is promised
to you ought always to be kept, because the happiness of obeying the
being one worships ought to render easy the greatest efforts. May Heaven
declare eternal war against me; may its thunder strike me dead at your
feet; or, what would be even worse than death, may your wrath be poured
upon me, if ever my love descends to such weakness as to fail in the
promise I have given, if ever any jealous transport of my soul...!




SCENE IV.--DONNA ELVIRA, DON GARCIA, DON ALVAREZ, ELIZA, A PAGE
_presenting a letter to Donna Elvira_.