A Chamber in the Palace.
The Countess ALARCOS lying on a Couch,
the Infanta kneeling at her side;
MAIDENS grouped around. A PHYSICIAN and the PAGE.
IV:4:1 SOL.
Didst ever see so fair a skin? Her bodice
Should still be loosened. Bring the Moorish water,
Griselda, you. They are the longest lashes!
They hang upon her cheek. Doctor, there’s warmth;
The blood returns?
IV:4:2 PHY.
But slowly.
IV:4:3 SOL.
Beauteous creature!
She seems an angel fallen from some star.
‘Twas well we passed. Untie that kerchief, Julia;
Teresa, wave the fan. There seems a glow
Upon her cheek, what but a moment since
Was like a sculptured saint’s.
IV:4:4 PHY.
She breathes.
IV:4:5 SOL.
Hush, hush!
IV:4:6 COUN.
And what is this? where am I?
IV:4:7 SOL.
With thy friends.
IV:4:8 COUN.
It is not home.
IV:4:9 SOL.
If kindness make a home,
Believe it such.
[The PHYSICIAN signifies silence.]
Nay lady, not a word,
Those lips must now be closed. I’ve seen such eyes
In pictures, girls.
IV:4:10 PHY.
Methinks she’ll sleep.
IV:4:11 SOL.
‘Tis well.
Maidens, away. I’ll be her nurse; and, doctor,
Remain within.
[Exeunt PHYSICIAN and MAIDENS.]
Know you this beauteous dame?
IV:4:12 PAGE.
I have heard minstrels tell that fays are found
In lonely places.
IV:4:13 SOL.
Well, she’s magical.
She draws me charm-like to her. Vanish, imp,
And see our chamber still.
[Exit PAGE.]
It is the hour
Alarcos should be here. Ah! happy hour,
That custom only makes more strangely sweet!
His brow has lost its cloud. The bar’s removed
To our felicity; time makes amends
To patient sufferers.
[Enter COUNT ALARCOS.]
Hush, my own love, hush!
[SOLISA takes his hand and leads him aside.]
So strange an incident! the fairest lady!
Found in our gardens; it would seem a swoon;
Myself then passing; hither we have brought her;
She is so beautiful, you’ll almost deem
She bears some charmed life. You know that fays
Are found in lonely places.
IV:4:14 ALAR.
In thy garden!
Indeed ‘tis strange! The Virgin guard thee, love.
I am right glad I’m here. Alone to tend her,
‘Tis scarcely wise.
IV:4:15 SOL.
I think when she recovers,
She’ll wave her wings and fly.
IV:4:16 ALAR.
Nay, for one glance!
In truth you paint her bright.
IV:4:17 SOL.
E’en now she sleeps.
Tread lightly, love; I’ll lead you.
[SOLISA cautiously leads ALARCOS to the couch;
as they approach it, the COUNTESS opens her eyes and shrieks.]
IV:4:18 COUN.
Ah! ‘tis true,
Alarcos
[relapses into a swoon.]
IV:4:19 ALAR.
Florimonde!
IV:4:20 SOL.
Who is this lady?
IV:4:21 ALAR.
It is my wife.
IV:4:22 SOL.
[flings away his arms and rushes forward.]
--Not mad!
Virgin and Saints be merciful; not mad!
O spare my brain one moment; ‘tis his wife.
I’m lost: she is too fair. The secret’s out
Of sick delays. He’s feigned; he has but feigned.
[Rushing to Alarcos.]
Is that thy wife? and I? and what am I?
A trifled toy, a humoured instrument?
To guide with glozing words, vilely cajole
With petty perjuries? Is that thy wife?
Thou said’st she was not fair, thou did’st not love her:
Thou lied’st. O, anguish, anguish!
IV:4:23 ALAR.
By the cross,
My soul is pure to thee. I’m wildered quite.
How came she here
IV:4:24 SOL.
As she shall ne’er return.
Now, Count Alarcos, by the cross thou swearest
Thy faith is true to me.
IV:4:25 ALAR.
Ay, by the cross,
IV:4:26 SOL.
Give me thy dagger.
IV:4:27 ALAR.
Not that hand or mine.
IV:4:28 SOL.
Is this thy passion!
[Takes his dagger.]
Thus I gain the heart
I should despise.
[Rushes to the couch.]
IV:4:29 COUN.
What’s this I see?
IV:4:30 ALAR.
[seizing the Infanta’s upraised arm]
A dream
A horrid dream, yet but a dream.
THE END OF THE FOURTH ACT.