What brought her to my side, or whence She came, I know not:--from her presence quick Some secret all-pervading inward charm Awoke; "twas not the magic of a smile, Nor playful Cupid in her cheeks, nor more, The form of peerless grace;--"twas beauty"s soul, The speaking virtue, modesty inborn, That as with magic spells, impalpable To sense, my being thralled. We breathed together The air of heaven:--enough!--no utterance asked Of words, our spiritual converse;--in my heart, Though strange, yet with familiar ties inwrought She seemed, and instant spake the thought--"tis she!
Or none that lives!
DON MANUEL (interposing with eagerness).
That is the sacred fire From heaven! the spark of love--that on the soul Bursts like the lightning"s flash, and mounts in flame, When kindred bosoms meet! No choice remains-- Who shall resist? What mortal break the band That heaven has knit? Brother, my blissful fortune Was echoed in thy tale--well thou hast raised The veil that shadows yet my secret love.
ISABELLA.
Thus destiny has marked the wayward course Of my two sons: the mighty torrent sweeps Down from the precipice; with rage he wears His proper bed, nor heeds the channel traced By art and prudent care. So to the powers That darkly sway the fortunes of our house, Trembling I yield. One pledge of hope remains; Great as their birth--their n.o.ble souls.
ISABELLA, DON MANUEL, DON CAESAR.
DIEGO is seen at the door.
ISABELLA.
But see, My faithful messenger returns. Come near me, Honest Diego. Quick! Where is she? Tell me, Where is my child? There is no secret here.
Oh, speak! No longer from my eyes conceal her; Come! we are ready for the height of joy.
[She is about to lead him towards the door.
What means this pause? Thou lingerest--thou art dumb-- Thy looks are terror-fraught--a shudder creeps Through all my frame--declare thy tidings!--speak!
Where is she? Where is Beatrice?
[She is about to rush from the chamber.
DON MANUEL (to himself abstractedly).
Beatrice!
DIEGO (holding back the PRINCESS).
Be still!
ISABELLA.
Where is she? Anguish tears my breast!
DIEGO.
She comes not.
I bring no daughter to thy arms.
ISABELLA.
Declare Thy message! Speak! by all the saints!
What has befallen?
DON MANUEL.
Where is my sister? Tell us, Thou harbinger of ill!
DIEGO.
The maid is stolen By corsairs! lost! Oh! that I ne"er had seen This day of woe!
DON MANUEL.
Compose thyself, my mother!
DON CAESAR.
Be calm; list all this tale.
DIEGO.
At thy command I sought in haste the well-known path that leads To the old sanctuary:--joy winged my footsteps; The journey was my last!
DON CAESAR.
Be brief!
DON MANUEL.
Proceed!
DIEGO.
Soon as I trod the convent"s court--impatient-- I ask--"Where is thy daughter?" Terror sate In every eye; and straight, with horror mute, I heard the worst.
[ISABELLA sinks, pale and trembling, upon a chair; DON MANUEL is busied about her.
DON CAESAR.
Say"st thou by pirates stolen?
Who saw the band?--what tongue relates the spoil?
DIEGO.
Not far a Moorish galley was descried, At anchor in the bay----
DON CAESAR.
The refuge oft From tempests" rage; where is the bark?
DIEGO.
At down, With favoring breeze she stood to sea.
DON CAESAR.
But never One prey contents the Moor; say, have they told Of other spoil?
DIEGO.
A herd that pastured near Was dragged away.
DON CAESAR.
Yet from the convent"s bound How tear the maid unseen?
DIEGO.
"Tis thought with ladders They scaled the wall.
DON CAESAR.
Thou knowest what jealous care Enshrines the bride of Heaven; scarce could their steps Invade the secret cells.
DIEGO.
Bound by no vows The maiden roved at will; oft would she seek Alone the garden"s shade. Alas! this day, Ne"er to return!
DON CAESAR.
Saidst thou--the prize of corsairs?
Perchance, at other bidding, she forsook The sheltering dome----