Act 2 — SCENE IX
Hannah Lynch translation
Ernest, Pepito, Don Julian, Don Severo, and Rueda.
Ernest. Don Julian! my friend, my father, my benefactor! [Hurries excitedly toward him, and speaks brokenly.]
D. Julian. [Weakly.] Ernest!
Ernest. Oh, wretched I!
Severo. Quick, come away.
Ernest. Father!
Severo. He is fainting with pain.
Ernest. For my sake!
Julian. It is not so.
Ernest. Through me—pardon! [Takes Don Julian's hand and bends on one knee before him.]
Julian. No need to ask it, lad. You did your duty, and I did mine.
Severo. A couch. [Loosens his hold of Don Julian, and Pepito takes his place.]
Pepito. [Pointing to the bedroom.] Let us carry him in there.
Ernest. [Shouting terribly.] Nebreda!
Severo. Let there be an end to folly. Is it your intention to kill him outright?
Ernest. [With frenzy.] Folly, oh, we'll see. I have two to avenge now. It is my right. [Rushes down the stage.]
Severo. [Moving to the right.] We'll take him into your 66room and lay him on the bed. [Ernest wheels round in terror.]
Ernest. Where?
Severo. In here.
Pepito. Yes.
Ernest. No. [Strides back, and stands before the door. The group are on the point of lifting Don Julian, desist, and stare at Ernest in indignant surprise.]
Severo. You forbid it?
Pepito. Are you mad?
Severo. Back: can't you see he is dying?
D. Julian. What is it? He doesn't wish it? [Raises himself and looks at Ernest in distrust and fear.]
Reuda. I don't understand it.
Pepito. Nor I.
Ernest. He is dying—and implores me—and doubts me—father!
Severo. Come, we must. [Pushes open the door above Ernest's shoulder. Teodora is discovered.]
Ernest. My God!
Severo and Pepito. She!
Reuda. A woman!
Teodora. [Coming forward to her husband and embracing him.] Julian!
D. Julian. Who is it? [Pushes her away to stare at her, drags himself to his feet with a violent effort, and shakes himself free of all aid.] Teodora! [Falls lifeless to the ground.]
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