zorayda.
But if disclosed, there now
Be other ears to listen, lady.

hermione.
Blanch,
Awhile thou may'st withdraw.

blanch.
How fierce her eye scowls! I marvel that her brows
should escape a singeing.—I would not leave you, gentle
mistress, until——

zorayda.
Begone!—— [Hermione smiles, and motions Blanch to depart. Exit Blanch.

hermione.
Now to thy task.

zorayda.
What bearest thou, with such o'er-vigilant watch,
In that fair bosom?

hermione.
Marry, my heart; what more?

zorayda.
'Tis then but late return'd: the truant once
Had left its home—what served thee in its place,
Knowest thou yet, gentle dame?

hermione.
I note thy craft:
Thou busiest me with questions, hoping thus
To catch unheeded words for thine advantage—
I answer nothing.

zorayda.
None I crave, fair maiden.
An empty billet is but poor exchange
For the heart's losing!