Osorio. You are deep at bartering—you charge yourself 260
At a round sum. Come, come, I spake unwisely.
Albert. I listen to you.
Osorio. In a sudden tempest
Did Albert perish—he, I mean, the lover—
The fellow——
Albert. Nay, speak out, 'twill ease your heart
To call him villain! Why stand'st thou aghast? [265]
Men think it natural to hate their rivals!
Osorio (hesitating and half doubting whether he should proceed). Now till she knows him dead she will not wed me!
Albert (with eager vehemence). Are you not wedded, then? Merciful God!
Not wedded to Maria?
Osorio. Why, what ails thee?
Art mad or drunk? Why look'st thou upward so? [270]
Dost pray to Lucifer, prince of the air?
Albert. Proceed. I shall be silent. [Albert sits, and leaning on the table hides his face.
Osorio. To Maria!
Politic wizard! ere you sent that message,
You had conn'd your lesson, made yourself proficient
In all my fortunes! Hah! you prophesied [275]
A golden crop!—well, you have not mistaken—
Be faithful to me, and I'll pay thee nobly.