By woes thus surrounded, how vain the gay smile Of the little blind archer, those woes to beguile! Though skilful, he misses, his aim it is cross'd, (His quiver exhausted, his arrows are lost.) Your love, though sincere, on the object you lose, (Aside) How sweet is the passion! Ah, must I refuse? If filial affection that passion should sway, (Then love's gentle dictates I cannot obey.) (Don Fer.) And do you, can you, wish me to espouse Donna Lorenza, Isabella's daughter?--Say, you do not, do but satisfy me so far. Vict. Signor, do not despise me if I own, that, before I saw in you the husband of Don Scipio's daughter, I did not once regret that I had lost that title. (Don Fer.) A thousand thanks for this generous, this amiable condescension.--Oh, my Victoria! if fortune but favours my design, you shall yet triumph over the malice of your enemies. Vict. Yonder is Dame Isabel, if she sees you speaking to me, she'll be early to frustrate whatever you may purpose for my advantage. Signor, farewell! (Don Fer.) My life, my love, adieu!

Air Xii--Victoria Monologue from The Castle of Andalusia: A Comic Opera, in Three Acts

Rehearse Air Xii--Victoria's monologue