I scarce had dared to approach your Highness’ feet,
Had not my friend, Don Arias, been before
As harbinger of my apology.
Prince. Cesar, indeed Don Arias has told me
The story of your sadness: and so well,
I feel it, and excuse it, as my own;
From like experience. I do not resent,
But would divert you from it. Books, my friend,
Truly are so seductive company,
We are apt to sit too long and late with them,