I:2:46 SIDO.
n.o.ble Leon Is proof against the gentle pa.s.sion, lady, And will ere long, my rapier for a gage, Marry a scold.
I:2:47 LEON.
In Burgos now, methinks, Marriage is scarce the mode. Our princess frowns, It seems, upon her suitors.
I:2:48 SIDO.
Is it true The match is off?
I:2:49 LEON.
"Tis said.
I:2:50 COUN.
The match is off You did not tell me this strange news, Alarcos.
I:2:51 SIDO.
Did he not tell you how--
I:2:52 ALAR.
In truth, good sirs, My wife and I are somewhat strangers here, And things that are of moment to the minds That long have dwelt on them, to us are nought.
[To the Countess.]
There was a sort of scene to-day at Court; The Princess fainted: we were all dismissed, Somewhat abruptly; but, in truth, I deem These rumours have no source but in the tongues Of curious idlers.
I:2:53 SIDO.
Faith, I hold them true.
Indeed they"re very rife.
I:2:54 LEON.
Poor man, methinks His is a lot forlorn, at once to lose A mistress and a crown!
I:2:55 COUN.
Yet both may bring Sorrow and cares. But little joy, I ween, Dwells with a royal bride, too apt to claim The homage she should yield.
I:2:56 SIDO.
I would all wives Hold with your Countess in this pleasing creed.
I:2:57 ALAR.
She has her way: it is a cunning wench That knows to wheedle. Burgos still maintains Its fame for n.o.ble fabrics. Since my time The city"s spread.
I:2:58 SIDO.
Ah! you"re a traveller, Count.
And yet we have not lagged.
I:2:59 COUN.
The Infanta, sirs, Was it a kind of swoon?
I:2:60 ALAR.
Old Lara lives Still in his ancient quarter?
I:2:61 LEON.
With the rats That share his palace. You spoke, Madam?
I:2:62 COUN.
She Has dainty health, perhaps?
I:2:63 LEON.
All ladies have.
And yet as little of the fainting mood As one could fix on--
I:2:64 ALAR.
Mendola left treasure?
I:2:65 SIDO.
Wedges of gold, a chamber of sequins Sealed up for ages, flocks of Barbary sheep Might ransom princes, tapestry so rare The King straight purchased, covering for the price Each piece with pistoles.
I:2:66 COUN.
Is she very fair
I:2:67 LEON.
As future queens must ever be, and yet Her face might charm uncrowned.
I:2:68 COUN.
It grieves me much To hear the Prince departs. "Tis not the first Among her suitors
I:2:69 ALAR.
Your good uncle lives-- Nunez de Leon?
I:2:70 LEON.
To my cost, Alarcos; He owes me much.
I:2:71 SIDO.
Some promises his heir Would wish fulfilled.
I:2:72 COUN.
In Gascony, they said, Navarre had sought her hand.
I:2:73 LEON.
He loitered here But could not pluck the fruit: it was too high.
Sidonia threw him in a tilt one day.
The Infanta has her fancies; unhorsed knights Count not among them.
[Enter a CHAMBERLAIN who whispers COUNT ALARCOS.]
I:2:74 ALAR.
Urgent, and me alone Will commune with! A Page! Kind guests, your pardon, I"ll find you here anon. My Florimonde, Our friends will not desert you, like your spouse.
[Exit ALARCOS.]