Osw. Tut! No matter.
You're safe. And he is here ... within these walls.
Ber. A guest of faith who holds your honor bound
High hostage for his life.
Osw. My honor? Trust me!
I'll care for that. No more I'll blush to lift
My shield i' the sun. The spot of thirty years
Shall be wiped out.
Ber. With love, my father?
Osw. [After a pause] Ay,
'Tis love shall do it.
Ber. [Lifting his father's hand to his lips]
You bind my heart to you.
Osw. Too soft, my warrior. Keep such woman's play
For Berenice. She will thank you for it.
I'm rough and old, and need the soldier clap
To start the singing blood. [Clapping Bertrand]
A blow with good
Red heart in 't!
Ber. Berenice?
Osw. Ah, that takes you!
She's here at last. Prince Frederick arrived
Three days ago, and with him his fair daughter,
Too dear of value to be left behind,
The prey of quarrelling kings. You'll dance with her
To-night.
Ber. You'll pardon me. I shall not dance.