[[522]]Maria (abruptly). He did not perish there!

Velez (impatiently). Nay, nay—how aptly thou forgett'st a tale [70]
Thou ne'er didst wish to learn—my brave Osorio
Saw them both founder in the storm that parted
Him and the pirate: both the vessels founder'd.
Gallant Osorio! [Pauses, then tenderly.
O belov'd Maria,
Would'st thou best prove thy faith to generous Albert [75]
And most delight his spirit, go and make
His brother happy, make his agéd father
Sink to the grave with joy!

Maria. For mercy's sake
Press me no more. I have no power to love him!
His proud forbidding eye, and his dark brow 80
Chill me, like dew-damps of the unwholesome night.
My love, a timorous and tender flower,
Closes beneath his touch.

Velez. You wrong him, maiden.
You wrong him, by my soul! Nor was it well
To character by such unkindly phrases 85
The stir and workings of that love for you
Which he has toil'd to smother. 'Twas not well—
Nor is it grateful in you to forget
His wounds and perilous voyages, and how
With an heroic fearlessness of danger [90]
He roamed the coast of Afric for your Albert.
It was not well—you have moved me even to tears.

Maria. O pardon me, my father! pardon me.
It was a foolish and ungrateful speech,
A most ungrateful speech! But I am hurried [95]
Beyond myself, if I but dream of one
Who aims to rival Albert. Were we not
Born on one day, like twins of the same parent?
Nursed in one cradle? Pardon me, my father!
A six years' absence is an heavy thing; [100]
Yet still the hope survives——

Velez (looking forwards). Hush—hush! Maria.

[[523]]Maria. It is Francesco, our Inquisitor;
That busy man, gross, ignorant, and cruel!

Enter Francesco and Alhadra.

Francesco (to Velez). Where is your son, my lord? Oh! here he comes.

Enter Osorio.