Fam. [Kissing her rosary] Mother, adored and blessed!
Cha. Wilt be a beggar soldier's bride, Famette?
Fam. You do not love me, Señor.
Cha. But I love
Your gentle heart that warms mine empty,—love
Your eyes, like memories burning,—and your voice
That's linked to an old wound in me,—but most
I love your soul that is as great as truth
And strong as sacrifice. You'll come to me
In Quito, if I make escape? I'll find
A way to bring you out——
Fam. You're mine?
Cha. Till death.
Fam. And after that?
Cha. I'll give you truth for truth.
Beyond this world I hope to meet a soul
Who did not walk in this, but ought to have,
For here her body dwelt. This side of death,
My life—a bitter one, that only you
Have sweetened—is your own, if you will have
So mean a gift.
[Ipparro has entered the yard and becomes a centre of altercation. He starts out taking Lissa's boy, Iduso. There is a shriek from Lissa, and Famette hurries to her]
Lis. My boy! My little one!
God strike you dead, Ipparro!