E’en on the brink of fate. I must away.

[Exit De Couci.

Scene V.—A Banqueting Hall.—Provençal Nobles assembled.

1st Noble. Joy be to this fair meeting! Who hath seen

The viceroy’s bride?

2d Noble. I saw her as she pass’d

The gazing throngs assembled in the city.

’Tis said she hath not left for years, till now,

Her castle’s wood-girt solitude. ’Twill gall

These proud Sicilians that her wide domains