ACT II
A drop scene showing part of the garden. At the right, a garden-house with a balcony and a door, to which several steps lead up.
GARCERAN enters through the door.
GARCERAN. And so before I'm caught, I'll save myself!
The girl is beautiful, and is a fool;
But love is folly; wherefore such a fool
Is more to fear than e'er the slyest was.
Besides, 'tis necessary that I bring,
While still there's time, my good repute again
To honor,—and my love for Dona Clara,
Most silent she of all that never talk;
The wise man counts escape a victory.
A page of the KING enters.
PAGE. Sir Garceran—
GARCERAN. Ah, Robert, what's a-foot?
PAGE. The King, my lord, commanded me to see
If still you were with her entrusted you—
GARCERAN. If I am here? Why, he commanded—friend!
You were to see were I, perhaps, upstairs?
Just tell him that the girl is in the house,
And I outside. That answer will suffice.
PAGE. The King himself!