The boy, sprung erect, white and quivering, struck in:—
'Ah, no, no! Think who it is that hears thee!'
Cicada threw himself at his feet, pawing and lamenting:—
'Thou angel! O, woe is me! that ever I were born to see this thing!'
So they subsided in one grief, rocking and weeping together.
'O, sweet!' gasped the boy—'that ever I were born to bring this thing on thee!'
Then, at that, the Fool wrapped him in his arms, adoring and fondling him, to a hurry of sighs and broken exclamations.
'On me!—Child, that I am thought worthy!—too great a joy—mightst have been alone—yet did I try to save thee—heaven's mercy that, failing, I am involved!'
And so, easing himself for the first time, in an ecstasy of emotion he told all he knew about the fatal ring, and his efforts to recover it.
Bernardo listened in wonder.