Of your adversities. Keep nothing from me. Ang. The Count of Lara. Pre. The Count of Lara? O, beware that man! Than touch his gold. Ang. Pre. You know him, then! As much pure. As any woman may, and yet be As you would keep your name without a blemish, Ang. Alas! what can I do? I cannot choose my friends. Each word of kindness, Pre. Make me your friend. A girl so young and fair Ang. Angelica. That name Was given you, that you might be an angel Here on my heart! It is my guardian angel. Ang. [rising]. I thank you for this counsel, dearest lady. Pre. Thank me by following it. Ang. Indeed I will. Pre. Pray, do not go. I have much more to say. Ang. My mother is alone. I dare not leave her. Pre. Some other time, then, when we meet again. You must not go away with words alone. [Gives her a purse.] Take this. Would it were more. I thank you, lady. Ang. Pre. Thank Heaven, not me. I deserve no thanks. Ang. Pre. Both Heaven and you. Farewell. Remember that you come again to-morrow. Pre. May they guard thee, too, And all the poor; for they have need of angels. Gold! gold! Pre. I gave thee yesterday; I have no more. Cruz. That is a foolish lie. Pre. It is the truth. Cruz. Curses upon thee! Thou art not my child! Hast thou given gold away, and not to me! Not to thy father? To whom, then ? Pre. Who needs it more. Cruz. To one No one can need it more. What, I, who lurk about Pre. Thou art not poor. In dismal suburbs and unwholesome lanes; Thou hast a stout heart and strong hands. I speak the truth. So long as I had gold, I gave it to thee freely, at all times, Never denied thee; never had a wish But to fulfil thine own. Now go in peace! Thou shalt have more. * Busné is the name given by the gipsies to all who are not of their race. [Exit. Thou shalt no longer dwell here in rich chambers, Pre. What! march again ? Cruz. Ay, with all speed. I hate the crowded town! I cannot breathe shut up within its gates! Pre. God speed thee on thy march!-I cannot go. Pre. [with emotion]. O, I beseech thee! I do not love him! On my knees I beg thee . Cruz. Pre. I have a strange misgiving in my heart! Exit. Woe is me! But that one deed of charity I'll do, Befall what may; they cannot take that from me. [Exit. * Calés, another word for gipsies. SCENE II.-4 room in the ARCHBISHOP's palace. The ARCHBISHOP and a Arch. Knowing how near it touched the public morals, By such excesses, we have sent to Rome, Card. Arch. Know and approve. And farther, I trust for ever; A. barbarous pastime, Yet the people Disgraceful to the land that calls itself Most Catholic and Christian. Card. Murmur at this; and, if the public dances And therefore have induced your grace to see [Enter a Servant.] Ser. The dancing-girl, and with her the musicians Your grace was pleased to order, wait without. Arch. Bid them come in. Now shall your eyes behold In what angelic yet voluptuous shape The Devil came to tempt Saint Anthony. [Enter PRECIOSA, with a mantle thrown over her head. She advances slowly, in a modest, half-timid attitude.] Card. [aside]. O, what a fair and ministering angel Was lost to Heaven when this sweet woman fell! Pre. [kneeling before the Archbisbop]. I have obeyed the order of your grace. If I intrude upon your better hours, I proffer this excuse, and here beseech Arch. May God bless thee, And lead thee to a better life. Arise. Card. [aside]. Her acts are modest, and her words discreet I did not look for this! Is thy name Preciosa ? Card. That is a Gipsy name. Who is thy father? A sun-burnt Ishmael! Card. Thy earlier days? Pre. Dost thou remember Yes; by the Darro's side My childhood passed. I can remember still I told the traveller's fortune in the street; The smuggler's horse, the brigand, and the shepherd, Gardens and palace walls. Arch. "Tis the Alhambra, Under whose towers the Gipsy camp was pitched. But the time wears; and we would see thee dance. Pre. Your grace shall be obeyed. [She lays aside her mantilla. The music of the cachuca is played, and the dance begins. The ARCHBISHOP and the CARDINAL look on with gravity and an occasional frown; then make signs to each other; and, as the dance continues, become more and more pleased and excited; and at length rise from their seats, throw their caps in the air, and applaud vehemently as the scene closes.] SCENE III.-The Prado. A long avenue of trees leading to the gate of Atocha. On the right the dome and spires of a convent. A fountain. Evening. DON CARLOS and HYPOLITO meeting. Carlos. Holá! Good evening, Don Hypolito. Hyp. And a good evening to my friend, Don Carlos. I was in search of you. Carlos. Command me always. Hyp. Do you remember, in Quevedo's Dreams, Asks if his money-bags would rise? Carlos. But what of that? Нур. I do; I am that wretched man. Carlos. You mean to tell me yours have risen empty? * A line from the ancient Poema del Cid. |