I held thee in mine arms, a powerless My Albert's sire! if this be wretchedness That eats away the life, what were it, think you, babe, While thy poor mother with a mute ever Velez (impatiently). Nay, nay—how aptly thou forgett'st a tale 70 Thou ne'er didst wish to learn-my brave Osorio Saw them both founder in the storm that parted 4c Sits on my grave and gazes at the moon ; Or haply in some more fantastic mood To be in Paradise, and with choice flowers Him and the pirate: both the vessels founBuild up a bower where he and I might dwell, And there to wait his coming! O my sire! der'd. He roamed the coast of Afric for your I would that I could serve you; but in Albert. It was not well-you have moved me even to tears. Maria. O pardon me, my father! pardon me. It was a foolish and ungrateful speech, Beyond myself, if I but dream of one Nursed in one cradle? Pardon me, my father! A six years' absence is an heavy thing; 99 truth Your face is new to me. [ALHADRA is about to speak, but is interrupted by Francesco. Aye, aye-I thought so; And so I said to one of the familiars. A likely story, said I, that Osorio, The gallant nobleman, who fought so bravely Some four years past against these rebel Moors; Working so hard from out the garden of faith To eradicate these weeds detestable; Veles (looking forwards). Hush-hush! Nay, be his friend-and warrant him, for Maria. Maria. It is Francesco, our Inquisitor; That busy man, gross, ignorant, and cruel! Enter FRANCESCO and ALHADRA. Francesco (to Veles). Where is your son, my lord? Oh! here he comes. Enter OSORIO. My Lord Osorio ! this Moresco woman (Alhadra is her name) asks audience of you. 1 The line was originally written :— Nay, nay, not hate him. I try not to do it ; and in this form it stands in the Poole MS. MS. II. has the line as amended, but has also this stage direction (perceiving that Alhadra is conscious she has spoken imprudently)'; and the word me is underlined.--ED. 2 In Poole MS. this line was originally- 3 (ironically)' only in MS. II.—ED. 1 Cf. Fragments from an Early Common place Book, No. 18, p. 454.-ED. Alhadra. A month's imprisonment would Speak to him, lady! none can hear you kill him, lady! Maria. Alas, poor man! Alhadra. 241 He hath a lion's courage, But is not stern enough for fortitude. Unfit for boisterous times, with gentle heart 1 He worships Nature in the hill and valley, Not knowing what he loves, but loves it all! [Enter ALBERT disguised as a Moresco, and in Moorish garments. Albert (not observing Maria and Alhadra). Three weeks have I been loitering here, nor ever Have summon'd up my heart to ask one question, 248 Or stop one peasant passing on this way. Maria. Know you that man? Alhadra. His person, not his name. I doubt not, he is some Moresco chieftain Who hides himself among the Alpuxarras. A week has scarcely pass'd since first I saw him; He has new-roof'd the desolate old cottage Where Zagri lived-who dared avow the prophet And died like one of the faithful! There he lives, And a friend with him. I pray you, think us friends-uncowl your face, For you seem faint, and the night-breeze blows healing. 270 I pray you, think us friends! Albert (raising his head). Calm-very calm; "Tis all too tranquil for reality! And she spoke to me with her innocent voice. That voice! that innocent voice! She is no traitress! It was a dream, a phantom of my sleep, [He starts up, and abruptly ad- Maria! you are not wedded? Maria (haughtily to Alhadra). Let us retire. [They advance to the front of the stage. |
