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.