The Count Alarcos" wife.
IV:3:33 LEON.
The Count Alarcos!
I"d be right glad to see him; but his wife Concerns the Lord Sidonia. If he have played Some Pranks here "tis a fool, and he has marred More than he"ll ever make. My time"s worth gems; My knightly word, dusk Moor, I tell thee truth.
I will forget these jest, but we must meet This night at my palace.
IV:3:34 ORAN.
I"ll see her first.
[Exit ORAN.]
IV:3:35 LEON.
Is it the Carnival? What mummery"s this?
What have I heard? One thing alone is clear.
We must be rid of Oran.
SCENE 4
A Chamber in the Palace.
The Countess ALARCOS lying on a Couch, the Infanta kneeling at her side; MAIDENS grouped around. A PHYSICIAN and the PAGE.
IV:4:1 SOL.
Didst ever see so fair a skin? Her bodice Should still be loosened. Bring the Moorish water, Griselda, you. They are the longest lashes!
They hang upon her cheek. Doctor, there"s warmth; The blood returns?
IV:4:2 PHY.
But slowly.
IV:4:3 SOL.
Beauteous creature!
She seems an angel fallen from some star.
"Twas well we pa.s.sed. Untie that kerchief, Julia; Teresa, wave the fan. There seems a glow Upon her cheek, what but a moment since Was like a sculptured saint"s.
IV:4:4 PHY.
She breathes.
IV:4:5 SOL.
Hush, hush!
IV:4:6 COUN.
And what is this? where am I?
IV:4:7 SOL.
With thy friends.
IV:4:8 COUN.
It is not home.
IV:4:9 SOL.
If kindness make a home, Believe it such.
[The PHYSICIAN signifies silence.]
Nay lady, not a word, Those lips must now be closed. I"ve seen such eyes In pictures, girls.
IV:4:10 PHY.
Methinks she"ll sleep.
IV:4:11 SOL.
"Tis well.
Maidens, away. I"ll be her nurse; and, doctor, Remain within.
[Exeunt PHYSICIAN and MAIDENS.]
Know you this beauteous dame?
IV:4:12 PAGE.
I have heard minstrels tell that fays are found In lonely places.
IV:4:13 SOL.
Well, she"s magical.
She draws me charm-like to her. Vanish, imp, And see our chamber still.
[Exit PAGE.]
It is the hour Alarcos should be here. Ah! happy hour, That custom only makes more strangely sweet!
His brow has lost its cloud. The bar"s removed To our felicity; time makes amends To patient sufferers.
[Enter COUNT ALARCOS.]
Hush, my own love, hush!
[SOLISA takes his hand and leads him aside.]
So strange an incident! the fairest lady!
Found in our gardens; it would seem a swoon; Myself then pa.s.sing; hither we have brought her; She is so beautiful, you"ll almost deem She bears some charmed life. You know that fays Are found in lonely places.
IV:4:14 ALAR.
In thy garden!
Indeed "tis strange! The Virgin guard thee, love.
I am right glad I"m here. Alone to tend her, "Tis scarcely wise.
IV:4:15 SOL.
I think when she recovers, She"ll wave her wings and fly.