University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Amelrosa's chamber.
AMELROSA [in white robes, and crowned with flowers], ESTELLA [with a letter].
AMELROSA.
'Tis strange!—At this late hour!—In armour say'st thou?

ESTELLA.
In sable armour; round his neck was slung
A bugle-horn.—In courteous guise he prayed me
Give you this note unseen.

AMELROSA.
Unseen?—How's this? [Reading]

“One, not unknown, requests an immediate audience
“on matters most important: Princess, delay not, as you
“value your father's life.”
Not signed?—My father's life! Estella, say,
Did he not tell his name?

ESTELLA.
He said this jewel
Would speak, whence came his letter.

AMELROSA.
Ha!—The ring
I gave Orsino!—Quickly seek yon stranger,
And charge him wait me at St. Juan's Chapel;
For there to pass the night in grateful prayer,
E'en now I go—Friend, speed thee!

[Exit Estella.
AMELROSA.
[Alone.]
Doubt and terror. .....
My father's life?—And yet, for such a father
What need I fear? Heaven will defend its own,
And wings of seraphs shield that King from harm,
Whose proudest title is—“His People's Father,”
Whose dearest treasure is his people's love!

[Exit.