THE SPANISH STUDENT. ACT I. SCENE I. The COUNT OF LARA's Chambers. Night. The COUNT in his dressing-gown, smoking and conversing with DON CARLOS. Lara. You were not at the play to-night, Don Carlos; How happened it? Don C. I had engagements elsewhere Pray who was there? Lara. Why, all the town and court. The house was crowded; and the busy fans And Doña Serafina, and her cousins. Don C. What was the play? Lara. It was a dull affair; One of those comedies in which you see, As Lope says, 23 the history of the world, Brought down from Genesis to the Day of Judgment. There were three duels fought in the first act, Y Three gentlemen receiving deadly wounds, Laying their hands upon their hearts, and saying, "Oh, I am dead!" a lover in a closet, An old hidalgo, and a gay Don Juan, Who looks intently where he knows she is not! Don C. Almost beyond the privilege of woman! I saw her in the Prado yesterday. Her step was royal,-queen-like,—and her face Lara. May not a saint fall from her Paradise, Don C. Why do you ask? Lara. Because I have heard it said this angel fell, And, though she is a virgin outwardly, Within she is a sinner; like those panels Don C. You do her wrong; indeed, you do her She is as virtuous as she is fair. Lara. How credulous you are! Why look you, friend, There's not a virtuous woman in Madrid, In this whole city! And would you persuade me Of inconsiderate youth, is to be held Don C. Nay, not to be won at all! Lara. And does that prove That Preciosa is above suspicion ? Don C. It proves a nobleman may be repulsed That woman, in her deepest degradation, Lara. I am sure of it. But why this haste? Stay yet a little longer, your Dulcinea. Don C. 'T is late. I must begone, for if I stay You will not be persuaded. Lara. Yes; persuade me. Don C No one so deaf as he who will not hear! Lara. No one so blind as he who will not see! Don C. And so good night. I wish you pleasant dreams, And greater faith in woman. Lara [Exit. Greater faith! I have the greatest faith; for I believe That I shall be to-morrow; and thereafter As Taurus chases Aries Enter FRANCISCO with a casket. Well, Francisco, What speed with Preciosa? Fran. None, my lord. She sends your jewels back, and bids me tell you Lara. Then I will try some other way to win her. Pray, dost thou know Victorian ? Fran. Yes, my lord; I saw him at the jeweller's to-day. A golden ring, that had a ruby in it. I could not choose between them Lara. I saw him buy One so like it It is well. To-morrow morning bring that ring to me Do not forget. Now light me to my bed. [Exeunt. |