Duchess. She has now, thank God. Poor child! I could not go until I was assured it was all right, and that she was better. And you, my son?
Edward. I must see her.
Duchess. Edward!
Edward. Then we have to talk to Don Lorenzo, and afterwards——
Duchess. Afterwards you will get to the end of my patience. I have done all for you that honour, dignity, and social convention permit—even more. But the moment has come for you to show yourself a man, to remember who you are and listen to the voice of duty.
Edward. Rightly said, mother, that is what I am prepared to do, but it remains to be seen if we entertain the same idea of duty.
Duchess. You must give Inés up.
Edward. Why? Because of her poverty?
Duchess. By no means.
Edward. Then why, mother? Because Don Lorenzo wishes to perform a sublime action which, if he carries out the prospect, will immortalise him in tale and history, and, who knows, may even lift him aloft into the Calendar?