FEDALMA,.
22 lines✦
eny it not,You know how many leagues this camp of oursLies from Bedmar, — what mountains lie between, —Could tell me if you would about the Duke, —That he is comforted, sees how he gainsBy losing the Zineala, finds how slightThe thread Fedalma made in that rich web,A Spanish noble’s life. No, that is false!He never would think lightly of our love.Some evil has befallen him, — he’s slain, —Has sought for danger and has beckoned deathBecause I made all life seem treachery.Tell me the worst, — be merciful, — no worst,Against the hideous painting of my fear,Would not show like a better. JUAN.If I speak,Will you believe your slave? For truth is scant;And where the appetite is still to hearAnd not believe, falsehood would stint it less.How say you? Does your hunger’s fancy chooseThe meagre fact ?
✦