Camillo (facing Count Orso).

‘The choice is thine!’

Count Orso (draws).

‘The choice is made!’

Chorus (narrowing its circle).

’Familiar is that naked blade. 
Of others, of himself, the fate
How swift ‘tis Provocation’s mate!’

Michiella(torn with jealous rage).

’Yea; I could smite her on the face. 
Father, first read the thing’s disgrace. 
I grudge them, honourable death. 
Put poison in their latest breath!’

Orso (his left arm extended).

’You twain are sundered:  hear with awe
The judgement of the Source of Law.’

Camilla (smiling confidently).

’Not such, when I was at the Source,
It said to me;—­but take thy course.’

Orso (astounded).

‘Thither thy steps were bent?’

Michiella(spurning verbal controversy).

’She feigns! 
A thousand swords are in my veins. 
Friends! soldiers I strike them down, the pair!’

Camillo (on guard, clasping his wife).

’’Tis well!  I cry, to all we share. 
Yea, life or death, ’tis well! ‘tis well!’

Michiella(stamps her foot).

’My heart ‘s a vessel tossed on hell!’

Leonardo (aside).

‘Not in glad nuptials ends the day.’

Orso (to Camilla).

‘What is thy purpose with us?—­say !’

Camilla (lowly). 
’Unto my Father I have crossed
For tidings of my Mother lost.’

Orso. 
‘Thy mother dead!’

Camilla. 
‘She lives!’

Michiella. 
’Thou liest! 
The tablets of the tomb defiest! 
The Fates denounce, the Furies chase
The wretch who lies in Reason’s face.’

Camilla. 
’Fly, then; for we are match’d to try
Which is the idiot, thou or I’

Michiella. 
Graceless Camilla!’

Orso
’Senseless girl! 
I cherished thee a precious pearl,
And almost owned thee child of mine.’

     Camilla. 

’Thou kept’st me like a gem, to shine,
Careless that I of blood am made;
No longer be the end delay’d. 
’Tis time to prove I have a heart—­
Forth from these walls of mine depart! 
The ghosts within them are disturb’d
Go forth, and let thy wrath be curb’d,
For I am strong:  Camillo’s truth
Has arm’d the visions of our youth. 
Our union by the Head Supreme
Is blest:  our severance was the dream. 
We who have drunk of blood and tears,
Knew nothing of a mortal’s fears. 
Life is as Death until the strife
In our just cause makes Death as Life.’

                    Orso
               ‘’Tis madness?’

                    Leonardo. 
                         ‘Is it madness?’