University of Virginia Library

Scene IX.

—The Count of Lara's chambers. Lara and his friends at supper.
Lara.
So, Caballeros, once more many thanks!
You have stood by me bravely in this matter.
Pray fill your glasses.

Don J.
Did you mark, Don Luis,
How pale she looked, when first the noise began,
And then stood still, with her large eyes dilated!
Her nostrils spread! her lips apart! her bosom
Tumultuous as the sea!

Don L.
I pitied her.

Lara.
Her pride is humbled; and this very night
I mean to visit her.

Don J.
Will you serenade her?

Lara.
No music! no more music!

Don L.
Why not music?
It softens many hearts.

Lara.
Not in the humor
She now is in. Music would madden her.

Don J.
Try golden cymbals.

Don L.
Yes, try Don Dinero;
A mighty wooer is your Don Dinero.

Lara.
To tell the truth, then, I have bribed her maid.
But, Caballeros, you dislike this wine.
A bumper and away; for the night wears.
A health to Preciosa.

(They rise and drink.)
All.
Preciosa.

Lara
(holding up his glass).
Thou bright and flaming minister of Love!
Thou wonderful magician! who hast stolen
My secret from me, and 'mid sighs of passion
Caught from my lips, with red and fiery tongue,
Her precious name! Oh nevermore henceforth
Shall mortal lips press thine; and nevermore
A mortal name be whispered in thine ear.
Go! keep my secret!

(Drinks and dashes the goblet down.)
Don J.
Ite! missa est!

(Scene closes.)