Ig. With her I have no tongue, and can not woo.
To see her is to think in hurrying dreams
That move about some new desire of God.
Nay, she ’s the picture finished, vision complete,
That perfect stands where dream no farther goes
And shuts the gates to prophecy!
Car. Would you
But woo her thus you ’d win her, never fear!
We women would be beautiful, and love
The tongue that makes us so. Go, talk to her
As you have talked to me.
Ig. ’T is not the same.
There ’s something in your smile inviteth speech.
Were she but you then would I kneel and say, (kneels)
O rest me ’neath the heaven of your eye
That gathers blessings as the sun his dews
To give again to earth, and let your heart
Throb once with pity sweeter than the love
That other women give, and yet be dumb,
That this sweet moment’s balm may wrap my heart
Till death bids it be still. O, love me not,
But on my head lay thy madonna hand,
And bless me as a mother would her child
Who goes to death in going from her eyes!
Car. (Laying her hand on his head)
And I will bless thee, too, as she would do,
True knight of love, gentle Ignacio!
And yet I hope you will ask more of her,
And she will grant it.
Ig. (Rising) More is too much. Farewell.
I leave the court to-night,—but go content,—
Ay, happy! (Exit)
Car. He leaves the court!... What a strange youth!
But very true and noble, and well deserves
The fairest woman’s love. (Picks up glove dropped by Ignacio) He ’s lost her glove.
I ’ll send it after him. (Calls attendant) Andorro!... Ah!
It is my own! Yes ... yes ... the same ... here is—
My own indeed!... And that is why he leaves
The court!... Poor youth! (She drops glove. Enter Andorro) Ignacio just passed out.
He dropped this glove. His lady’s favor maybe.
I ’m sure ’t is prized. Haste, take it after him.
And. (Picks up glove)
Your pleasure, royal madam! (Going)
Car. No—that way.
(Exit Andorro)
... Unhappy boy!... I ’m glad I sent the glove.