RAM. Yes, brighter scenes arise.
The disunited he alone unites,
The weak with hope he strengthens, and the strong
With justice.
OSMA. Wait: praise him when time hath given
A soundness and consistency to praise:
He shares it amply who bestows it right.
RAM. Doubtest thou?
OSMA. Be it so: let us away;
New courtiers come -
RAM. And why not join the new?
Let us attend him, and congratulate;
Come on: they enter.
OSMA. This is now my post
No longer: I could face them in the field,
I cannot here.
RAM. To-morrow all may change;
Be comforted.
OSMA. I want nor change nor comfort.
RAM. The prisoner's voice!
OSMA. The metropolitan's?
Triumph he may--not over me forgiven.
This way, and through the chapel--none are there.
[Goes out.
THIRD ACT: THIRD SCENE.
OPAS and SISABERT.
OPAS. The royal threat still sounds along these halls:
Hardly his foot hath passed them, and he flees
From his own treachery; all his pride, his hopes,
Are scattered at a breath; even courage fails
Now falsehood sinks from under him. Behold,
Again art thou where reigned thy ancestors;
Behold the chapel of thy earliest prayers,
Where I, whose chains are sundered at thy sight
Ere they could close around these aged limbs,
Received and blest thee, when thy mother's arm
Was doubtful if it loosed thee! with delight
Have I observed the promises we made
Deeply impressed and manfully performed.
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