No More Learning

_Sar. _ We have lived asunder
Too long to meet again--and _now_ to meet!
Have I not cares enow, and pangs enow,
To bear alone, that we must mingle sorrows, 230
Who have ceased to mingle love?

_Re-enter_ SALEMENES _and_ ZARINA.

_Sal. _ My sister! Courage:
Shame not our blood with trembling, but remember
From whence we sprung. The Queen is present, Sire.

_Zar. _ I pray thee, brother, leave me.

_Sal. _ Since you ask it.
[_Exit_ SALEMENES.

_Zar. _ Alone with him!
How many a year has passed[27],
Though we are still so young, since we have met,
Which I have worn in widowhood of heart.
He loved me not: yet he seems little changed--
Changed to me only--would the change were mutual!
He speaks not--scarce regards me--not a word, 240
Nor look--yet he _was_ soft of voice and aspect,
Indifferent, not austere. My Lord!

_Sar. _ Zarina!

_Zar. _ No, _not_ Zarina--do not say Zarina.
That tone--That word--annihilate long years,
And things which make them longer.

_Sar. _ 'Tis too late
To think of these past dreams. Let's not reproach--
That is, reproach me not--for the _last_ time----

_Zar. _ And _first_, I ne'er reproached you.

_Sar. _ 'Tis most true;
And that reproof comes heavier on my heart
Than----But our hearts are not in our own power. 250

_Zar.