Morandro monologue (Act 2) — Numantia

Thus to hear thee idly speak, Makes my blood with fury dance. When did love, by any chance, Make the manly bosom weak? Do I leave my post to fly To my lady's side instead, Or lie sleeping on my bed, When my captain watches by? Hast thou seen me fail to move At the urgent call of duty, Lured away by wanton beauty, Or still less by honest love? If with truth thou canst not tell Any point wherein I fail, Wherefore thus against me rail, Just because I love so well? If I shun the circles bright, Brooding o'er my sad condition, Put thyself in my position, Thou wilt see that I have right. Know'st thou not how many years I was mad for Lyra's sake, Till at length the clouds did break, Scatt'ring all my doubts and fears? For her father gave consent That we twain should wedded be; And my Lyra's love for me, Mine for her, gave full content. But, alas! thou art aware How this brutal, cruel war Came our happiness to mar, Sunk my glory to despair. For our marriage may not be Till the din of war hath ceased; 'Tis no time to wed and feast Till this land of ours be free. Think what slender hope is here That my bliss will ever be, When our chance of victory Rests upon the foeman's spear! Here we are with ruin near us, Fosse and trench around us lying, All our men with hunger dying, And no thought of war to cheer us! Is it strange, that when I know All my hopes are but as wind, I should go with saddened mind, Just as now thou seest me go?