That ever waved a lance in Old Castille.I:1:11 1ST COURT.
You followed in his train?
I:1:12 2ND COURT.
And as we passed,
Alarcos bowing to the lowest earth,
The Infanta swooned; and pale as yon niched saint,
From off the throned step, her seat of place,
Fell in a wild and senseless agony.
I:1:13 1ST COURT.
Sancta Maria! and the King—
I:1:14 2ND COURT.
Uprose
And bore her from her maidens, then broke up
The hurried Court; indeed I know no more,
For like a turning tide the crowd pressed on,
And scarcely could I gain the grateful air.
Yet on the Prado’s walk came smiling by
The Bishop of Ossuna; as he passed
He clutched my cloak, and whispered in my ear,
‘The match is off.’
[Enter PAGE.]
I:1:15 1ST COURT.
Hush! hush! a passenger.
I:1:16 PAGE.
Most noble Cavaliers, I pray, inform me
Where the great Count Alarcos holds his quarter.
I:1:17 2ND COURT.
In the chief square. His banner tells the roof;
Your pleasure with the Count, my gentle youth?
I:1:18 PAGE.
I were a sorry messenger to tell
My mission to the first who asks its aim.
I:1:19 2ND COURT.
The Count Alarcos is my friend and chief.
I:1:20 PAGE.
Then better reason I should trusty be,
For you can be a witness to my trust.
I:1:21 1ST COURT.
A forward youth!
I:1:22 2ND COURT.
A page is ever pert
I:1:23 PAGE.
Ay! ever pert is youth that baffles age.
[Exit PAGE.]
I:1:24 1ST COURT.
The Count is married?
I:1:25 2ND COURT.
To a beauteous lady;
And blessed with a fair race. A happy man
Indeed is Count Alarcos.
[A trumpet sounds.]
I:1:26 1ST COURT.
Prithee, see;
Passes he now?
I:1:27 2ND COURT.
Long since. Yon banner tells
The Count Sidonia. Let us on, and view
The passage of his pomp. His Moorish steeds,
They say, are very choice.
[Exeunt Two Courtiers.]
SCENE 2.
A Chamber in the Palace of Alarcos. The COUNTESS seated and
working at her tapestry; the COUNT pacing the Chamber.
I:2:1 COUN.
You are disturbed, Alarcos?
I:2:2 ALAR.
’Tis the stir
And tumult of this morn. I am not used
To Courts.
I:2:3 COUN.
I know not why, it is a name
That makes me tremble.
I:2:4 ALAR.
Tremble, Florimonde,
Why should you tremble?
I:2:5 COUN.
Sooth I cannot say.
Methinks the Court but little suits my kind;
I love our quiet home.
I:2:6 ALAR.
This is our home,
I:2:7 COUN.
When you are here.
I:2:8 ALAR.
I will be always here.
I:2:9 COUN.
Thou canst not, sweet Alarcos. Happy hours,
When we were parted but to hear thy horn
Sound in our native woods!
I:2:10 ALAR.
Why, this is humour!
We’re courtiers now; and we must smile and smirk.
I:2:11 COUN.
Methinks your tongue is gayer than your glance.
The King, I hope, was gracious?
I:2:12 ALAR.
Were he not,
My frown’s as prompt as his. He was most gracious.
I:2:13 COUN.
Something has chafed thee?
I:2:14 ALAR.
What should chafe me, child,
And when should hearts be light, if mine be dull?
Is not mine exile over? Is it nought
