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.]