SCENE 2

A Chamber in the Palace of Alarcos.

The COUNTESS and SIDONIA.

IV:2:1 SIDO.

Lady, you're moved: nay, 'twas an idle word.

IV:2:2 COUN.

But was it true?

IV:2:3 SIDO.

And yet might little mean.

IV:2:4 COUN.

That I should live to doubt!

IV:2:5 SIDO.

But do not doubt; Forget it, lady. You should know him well; Nay, do not credit it.

IV:2:6 COUN.

He's very changed.

I would not own, no, not believe that change, I've given it every gloss that might confirm My sinking heart. Time and your tale agree; Alas! 'tis true.

IV:2:7 SIDO.

I hope not; still believe It is not true. Would that I had not spoken!

It was unguarded prate.

IV:2:8 COUN.

You have done me service: Condemned, the headsman is no enemy, Bat closes suffering.

IV:2:9 SIDO.

Yet a bitter doom To torture those you'd bless. I have a thought.

What if this eve you visit this same spot, That shrouds these meetings? If he's wanting then, The rest might prove as false.

IV:2:10 COUN.

He will be there, I feel he will be there.

IV:2:11 SIDO.

We should not think so, Until our eyes defeat our hopes.

IV:2:12 COUN.

O Burgos, My heart misgave me when I saw thy walls!

To doubt is madness, yet 'tis not despair, And that may be my lot.

IV:2:13 SIDO.

The palace gardens Are closed, except to master-keys. Here's one, My office gives it me, and it can count Few brethren. You will be alone.

IV:2:14 COUN.

Alas!

I dare not hope so.

IV:2:15 SIDO.

Well, well, think of this; Yet take the key.

IV:2:16 COUN.

O that it would unlock The heart now closed to me! To watch his ways Was once my being. Shall I prove the spy Of joys I may not share? I will not take That fatal key.

IV:2:17 SIDO.

'Tis well; I pray you, pardon My ill-timed zeal.

IV:2:18 COUN.

Indeed, I should be grateful That one should wish to serve me. Can it be?

'Tis not two months, two little, little months, You crossed this threshold first; Ah! gentle air, And we were all so gay! What have I done?

What is all this? so sudden and so strange?

It is not true, I feel it is not true; 'Tis factious care that clouds his brow, and calls For all this timed absence. His brain's busy With the State. Is't not so? I prithee speak, And say you think it.

IV:2:19 SIDO.

You should know him well; And if you deem it so, why I should deem The inference just.

IV:2:20 COUN.

Yet if he were not there, How happy I should sleep! there is no peril; The garden's near; and is there shame? 'Tis love Makes me a lawful spy. He'll not be there, And then there is no prying.

IV:2:21 SIDO.

Near at hand, Crossing the way that bounds your palace court, There is a private portal.

IV:2:22 COUN.

If I go, He will not miss me. Ah, I would he might!

So very near; no, no; I cannot go; And yet I'll take the key.

[Takes the key.]

Would thou could'st speak, Thou little instrument, and tell me all The secrets of thy office! My heart beats; 'Tis my first enterprise; I would it were To do him service. No, I cannot go; Farewell, kind sir; indeed I am so troubled, I must retire.

[Exit COUNTESS.]

IV:2:23 SIDO.

Thy virtue makes me vile; And what should move my heart inflames my soul.

O marvellous world, wherein I play the villain From very love of excellence! But for him, I'd be the rival of her stainless thoughts And mate her purity. Hah!

[Enter ORAN.]

IV:2:24 ORAN.

My n.o.ble lord!

IV:2:25 SIDO.