Count Alarcos; a Tragedy Part 10

Before the people too, in the great square Of our chief place, Granada, and forsooth, Because I would not yield the way at mosque.

His life has soothed my honour: if I die, I die content; but with your gracious aid I would live happy.

II:1:27 LEON.

You love life?

II:1:28 ORAN.

Most dearly.

II:1:29 LEON.

Sensible Moor, although he be impaled For mobbing in a mosque. I like this fellow; His bearing suits my humour. He shall live To do more murders. Come, bold infidel, Follow to the Leon Palace; and, sir, prithee Don't stab us in the back.

[Exeunt omnes.]

SCENE 2

Chamber in the Palace of COUNT ALARCOS.

At the back of the Scene the Curtains of a large Jalousie withdrawn.

[Enter COUNT ALARCOS.]

II:2:1 ALAR.

'Tis circ.u.mstance makes conduct; life's a s.h.i.+p, The sport of every wind. And yet men tack Against the adverse blast. How shall I steer, Who am the pilot of Necessity?

But whether it be fair or foul, I know not; Sunny or terrible. Why let her wed him?

What care I if the pageant's weight may fall On Hungary's ermined shoulders, if the spring Of all her life be mine? The tiar'd brow Alone makes not a King. Would that my wife Confessed a worldlier mood! Her recluse fancy Haunts still our castled bowers. Then civic air Inflame her thoughts! Teach her to vie and revel, Find sport in peerless robes, the pomp of feasts And ambling of a genet--

[A serenade is heard.]

Hah! that voice Should not be strange. A tribute to her charms.

'Tis music sweeter to a spouse's ear Than gallants dream of. Ay, she'll find adorers.

Or Burgos is right changed.

[Enter the COUNTESS.]

Listen, child.

[Again the serenade is heard.]

II:2:2 COUN.

'Tis very sweet.

II:2:3 ALAR.

It is inspired by thee.

II:2:4 COUN.

Alarcos!

II:2:5 ALAR.

Why dost look so grave? Nay, now, There's not a dame in Burgos would not give Her jewels for such songs.

II:2:6 COUN.

Inspired by me!

II:2:7 ALAR.

And who so fit to fire a lover's breast?

He's clearly captive.

II:2:8 COUN.

O! thou knowest I love not Such jests, Alarcos.

II:2:9 ALAR.

Jest! I do not jest.

I am right proud the partner of my state Should count the chief of our Castillian knights Among her train.

II:2:10 COUN.

I pray thee let me close These blinds.

II:2:11 ALAR.

Poh, poh! what, baulk a serenade?

'Twould be an outrage to the courtesies Of this great city. Faith! his voice is sweet.

II:2:12 COUN.

Would that he had not sung! It is a sport In which I find no pastime.

II:2:13 ALAR.

Marry, come, It gives me great delight. 'Tis well for thee, On thy first entrance to our world, to find So high a follower.

II:2:14 COUN.

Wherefore should I need His following?

II:2:15 ALAR.

Nought's more excellent for woman, Than to be fixed on as the cynosure Of one whom all do gaze on. 'Tis a stamp Whose currency, not wealth, rank, blood, can match; These are raw ingots, till they are impressed With fas.h.i.+on's picture.

II:2:16 COUN.

Would I were once more Within our castle!

II:2:17 ALAR.

Nursery days! The world Is now our home, and we must worldly be, Like its bold stirrers. I sup with the King.

There is no feast, and yet to do me honour, Some chiefs will meet. I stand right well at Court, And with thine aid will stand e'en better.

II:2:18 COUN.

Mine!

I have no joy but in thy joy, no thought But for thy honour, and yet, how to aid Thee in these plans or hopes, indeed, Alarcos, Indeed, I am perplexed.

II:2:19 ALAR.