_Cruz._ This is the garden wall, and above it, yonder, is her house.
The window in which thou seest the light is her window. But we will not
go in now.
_Bart._ Why not?
_Cruz._ Because she is not at home.
_Bart._ No matter; we can wait. But how is this? The gate is bolted.
[_Sound of guitars and voices in a neighbouring street._] Hark! There
comes her lover with his infernal serenade! Hark!
SONG.
Good night! Good night, beloved!
I come to watch o’er thee!
To be near thee,—to be near thee,
Alone is peace for me.
Thine eyes are stars of morning.
Thy lips are crimson flowers!
Good night! Good night, beloved,
While I count the weary hours.
_Cruz._ They are not coming this way.
_Bart._ Wait, they begin again.
SONG [_coming nearer_].
Ah! thou moon that shinest
Argent-clear above!
All night long enlighten
My sweet lady love!
Moon that shinest,
All night long enlighten!
_Bart._ Woe be to him if he comes this way!
_Cruz._ Be quiet, they are passing down the street.
SONG [_dying away_].
The nuns in the cloister
Sang to each other;
For so many sisters
Is there not one brother!
Ay, for the partridge, mother!
The cat has run away with the partridge!
Puss! puss! puss!
_Bart._ Follow that! Follow that! Come with me. Puss! puss!
[_Exeunt. On the opposite side enter the_ COUNT OF LARA _and gentlemen,
with_ FRANCISCO.]
_Lara._ The gate is fast. Over the wall, Francisco,
And draw the bolt. There, so, and so, and over.
Now, gentlemen, come in, and help me scale
Yon balcony. How now? Her light still burns.
Move warily. Make fast the gate, Francisco.
_[Exeunt. Re-enter_ CRUZADO _and_ BARTOLOMÉ.]
_Bart._ They went in at the gate. Hark! I hear them in the garden.
[_Tries the gate._] Bolted again! Vive Christo! Follow me over
the wall.
[_They climb the wall._]