Carlos. Pray, how much need you? Some half-dozen ounces, Hyp. Which, with due interest Carlos [giving his purse]. What, am I a Jew, To put my moneys out at usury? Here is my purse. Hyp. Thank you. A pretty purse, No, 'tis at your service. Made by the hand of some fair Madrileña; Carlos. Hyp. Thank you again. Lie there, good Chrysostom, And with thy golden mouth remind me often, I am the debtor of my friend. But tell me, This moment. Carlos. And pray, how fares the brave Victorian ? For many reasons. First and foremost, Carlos. Why so? Hyp. Because he is in love with an ideal; She floats upon the river of his thoughts! Carlos. A common thing with poets. But who is Must wear the outward semblance of his thought. Hyp. Well, it is a woman! But, look you, from the coffer of his heart Carlos. His cousin Violante. Hyp. Why, who do you thinki Guess again. To ease his labouring heart, in the last storm Carlos. I cannot guess; so tell me who it is. Carlos. Why not? Why? Because Mari Franca Hyp. [mysteriously]. Was married four leagues out of Salamanca !* Hyp. Preciosa. Carlos. Impossible? The Count of Lara tells me Hyp. Did I say she was? The Roman Emperor Claudius had a wife But hist! I see him yonder through the trees, Carlos. He comes this way. Hyp. It has been truly said by some wise man, That money, grief, and love cannot be hidden. [Enter VICTORIAN in front.] Vict. Where'er thy step has passed is holy ground! Feel that the place has taken a charm from thee, Hyp. Mark him well! See how he strides away with lordly air, Like that odd guest of stone, that grim Commander Carlos. What ho! Victorian ! Vict. Holá! amigos! How fares Don Carlos ? Carlos. Wilt thou sup with us? Faith, I did not see you. At your service ever. Ay, soft, emerald eyes! Ay de mí! Vict. How is that young and green-eyed Gaditana Carlos. She has gone back to Cadiz. Hyp. Vict. You are much to blame for letting her go back. Just that soft shade of green we sometimes see In evening skies. Hyp. Are thine green ? But, speaking of green eyes, Not a whit. Why so? A common Spanish proverb, used to turn aside a question one does not wish to answer. Hyp. I think The slightest shade of green would be becoming, No, I am not jealous. Why? Because thou art in love, Marry, is that all? Farewell, Don Carlos. And they who are in love are always jealous. Therefore thou shouldst be. Vict. Farewell; I am in haste. Vict. Indeed! Then he will have his labour for his pains. Hyp. He does not think so, and Don Carlos tells me Vict. How's this, Don Carlos ? As a gay man might speak. Vict. Death and damnation! I'll cut his lying tongue out of his mouth, And throw it to my dog! But no, no, no! For otherwise And so, farewell! Hyp. Now what a coil is here! The Avenging Child Were nothing to him! O hot-headed youth! [Exit. [Exeunt. SCENE IV.-PRECIOSA's Chamber. She is sitting, with a book in her hand, near a table, on which are flowers. A bird singing in its cage. The COUNT OF LARA enters behind unperceived. Pre. [reads]. All are sleeping, weary heart! Heigho! I wish Victorian were here. I know not what it is makes me so restless! [The bird sings.] Thou little prisoner with thy motley coat, All are sleeping, weary heart! Thou speakest truly, poet! and methinks [Turns to lay down her book, and perceives the COUNT.] Lara. Be not alarmed; I found no one in waiting. If I have been too bold Pre. [turning her back upon him]. You are too bold! Retire! retire, and leave me! Lara. My dear lady, First hear me! I beseech you, let me speak. "Tis for your good I come. Pre. [turning toward him with indignation]. Begone! Begone You are the Count of Lara, but your deeds Would make the statues of your ancestors Blush on their tombs! Is it Castilian honour, Is it Castilian pride, to steal in here Upon a friendless girl, to do her wrong? O'shame! shame! shame! that you, a nobleman, Be calm; I will not harm you. I dare anything! Therefore beware! You are deceived in me. In this false world, we do not always know Who are our friends and who our enemies. We all have enemies, and all need friends. Even you, fair Preciosa, here at court Have foes who seek to wrong you. Pre. If to this You might have spared the coming. Having spoken, Lara. I thought it but a friendly part to tell you What strange reports are current here in town. But there are many who, not knowing you, That you should take upon yourself the duty Lara. Malicious tongues Are ever busy with your name. Pre. Alas! I've no protectors. I am a poor girl, How mean you? Lara. Nay, nay; I will not wound your gentle soul By the report of idle tales. Pre. What are these idle tales? Speak out! You need not spare me. with you. Pardon me; This window, as I think, looks towards the street, In yon high house, beyond the garden wall,— Climb to your chamber window. You are silent! I would not blame you, being young and fair [He tries to embrace her. She starts back, and draws a dagger from her bosom.] Pre. Beware! beware! I am a Gipsy girl! Lay not your hand upon me. One step nearer And I will strike! Lara. Fear not. Pray you, put up that dagger. |