SCENE III.--_Inez' bedchamber in Don Silvio's castle; an old four posted

bed, with faded hangings--old faded tapestry. A prie-dieu in front of a picture of our Lady of Pain. Crucifixes and pious relics adorn the chambers. Don Silvio is discovered pleading earnestly. Inez weeping._

INEZ. (_Tearing herself away._) Cease, father, cease; I cannot, dare not yield. How can you ask me, after all you've said? What! Wed a man I never saw before, A man whose age, too, full quadruples mine! And at a moment's notice! Fie! for shame! Was it for this then that you call'dst me home, To barter soul and body for mere gold? Is it not thus the lowest of our sex, Led on by glitter to fill Satan's ranks, Fall, ne'er to rise again? Ah! woe is me. Think, father, think. What could such union be Before the eyes of Heaven? Would it not Be foul adultery, base, incestuous lust? And this you'ld have from me, your only child? Oh, father! 'twas not thus that you once spake. Where are your noble maxims, father, now? Alas! alas! all scattered to the winds Before the first blast of the tempting fiend.

D. SIL. (_Aside._) Now this is most just, by Heav'n! that I be Thus by my own child humbled and reproved, For falling back from truth in hour of trial. Dear inn'cent soul! How could she yield to terms Alike repugnant to her virgin heart As mine own conscience? But, then, what to do? Ah! cursed be the hour I gave consent Unto that monstrous pact! What would I give Now to undo the same, were't in my power? But my inexorable foe has sworn To have his bond, and Diego never jests. Most dire necessity doth bid me save Myself and household from disgrace and death. Ay, from starvation. Nothing short of that Should make me recreant to my conscience law. She, young and hopeful, realises not The want and misery that must ensue To us on her refusal. Be it so. Occasion presses. Time must not be lost. I will try again, though conscience brand me. (_Aloud._) Inez!

INEZ. Father!

D. SIL. Bethink thee, yet, my child.

INEZ. Parent, no more!

D. SIL. What am I, then, to do? I, thy poor aged father, sent abroad To beg my bread. No shelter from the wind And rain. No food; no hospitable roof. Our servants, too, must all our ills endure; And all through thee, through thine own obdurate heart. But 'twill not serve thee. Not one whit, for though Thou still resist, Don Diego will use force; His myrmidons----

INEZ. I fear them not, when God is on our side. This is a trial, and we must have faith.

D. SIL. (_Desperate._) My child! Will nothing move thee? On thy head Will be thy father's blood. My life's at stake.

INEZ. Think of thy soul, old man, and trust in God. Thou, who didst teach mine infant lips to pray, Canst thou not pray, or wilt thou learn of me Now thou art old? Hast thou no faith, father?

D. SIL. Alas! alas! 'Tis many years these knees Have bowed no more in prayer. When I was young, And yet had faith, 'twas then I used to pray.

INEZ. But now; Oh, father! Heaven! What can have caused This falling off of piety in age? For years not bent the knee unto thy God! I wonder not He hath abandoned thee. Come, learn of me. Look here. Gaze on this form,

[_Snatches a crucifix from the wall, and thrusts it into Don Silvio's unwilling hands._

This bleeding image. See this crown of thorns, These nails, that side thrust; and then learn how He Suffered and died for us. Canst thou not bear One little pang an 't be the will of Heaven? What is thy grief to His, who suffered more Than mortal man e'er suffered? Father, pray God will not desert those who trust in Him.

D. SIL. Nay, thou art young and hopeful. I am old.

INEZ. Kneel, father, kneel; and look not so downcast. Behold the blessed Virgin Mary, pierced And sorrowing for our sins. Come, father, kneel. Do as I do, and throw thyself before This blessed image, and repeat these words.

[_Throws herself on the prie-dieu, and clasps her hands together in front of the picture of our Lady of Pain. Don Silvio still standing._

Oh! Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord; Chosen of God, immaculate, Divine; Thou, who hast promised aye to intercede With thy dear Son, the living God of Heaven For us poor mortals when oppressed with woe, From that high heaven where thou sittest enthroned 'Midst glorious angels, mercifully look down Upon thy humble votaries, who groan 'Neath the oppression of a tyrant world. Oh! thou who never turnest a deaf ear Unto a suppliant's prayer, send down thy grace, And succour her from evil men's designs Who puts her trust in thee. Thwart thou their schemes, And, for the glory of thy holy name, Avenge thy handmaid's wrongs, and punish those Who, strong in the abuse of worldly power, Would fain defile the virgin chastity Of her who seeks thy aid; rain down thy grace. Oh! Holy Mother, who canst never see The wrong to triumph and the right to fall, Soften my father's heart, and let him kneel To thee, and join with me in heartfelt prayer And supplication, that the evils which Do threaten us alike may be withdrawn.

[_Don Silvio drops crucifix, and exit slowly and moodily._

Oh, Holy Saints! Oh, Holy Virgin Mother! Look down in pity on this suppliant pair, Who all unworthy are to raise our eyes To that high Heaven, whence thou art, and seek Thy aid and guidance, strengthen us, O Lord! Strengthen our faith, and let our trust in Thee Never abate, e'en in temptation's hour.

[_Draws forth a rosary, and remains for some time counting her beads. Then rises._

I thank thee, Holy Virgin. Thou hast heard The prayer of faith, and----(_looking round her_) What! my father gone! Too proud to pray, alas! Oh, Heaven grant My doting father more humility, More faith, more hope; and aye within this breast Keep thou _my_ faith alive, lest Satan send Some emissary forth to thwart thy will.

_Enter_ RODRIGUEZ, _smiling towards_ INEZ, _who starts, looks suspiciously at her, and shudders_.

ROD. What! my young mistress taken by surprise, And scared at poor Rodriguez! I've no doubt Some transient fever, brought on by the shock You late have suffered, made you shiver so. Come to old Rodriguez, my pretty bird, Pour forth into old nurse's willing ear All its past troubles. Did the gipsy gang Run off with pretty darling, and insult Her and old Pedro! Sweetest, grieve no more Now all is over, but take courage from Old nurse Rodriguez, who was ever wont To smooth its pillow, and to share its griefs.

INEZ. Good nurse, Rodriguez, 'tis not, as you think, The gipsy tribe that causes me this dread. I have another and a secret grief I daren't divulge to thee. Nay, leave me, pray.

ROD. What! my young mistress has a secret grief; And I, poor old Rodriguez, am debarred From sharing it. Leave you alone, forsooth! Leave my young mistress Inez all alone, To brood and mope over her secret grief! Never! You ill know nurse Rodriguez, child.

INEZ. (_Aside._) This is intolerable.

ROD. As you say, It cannot be about the gipsy tribe My darling frets. The danger's gone and past, Thanks to the noble conduct of my lord, The brave and gallant Don Diego, who At risk of his own life, with sword in hand, Did rescue you from the dark gipsy gang. 'Twas bravely done. And how he wears his years! Just like a stripling--and how fine a man; How courteous, too, and what a merry eye He has for all his favourites. I'm sure That you yourself are one, judging from how [_Inez draws back scornfully._ He looks at you askance, then turns away And sighs so deeply, little thinking that Rodriguez guesses what he bears within.

INEZ. Rodriguez, silence! Of this trash no more.

ROD. Nay, Mistress Inez; pray not angered be With poor old nurse. She loves a jest at times.

INEZ. I'm in no jesting mood, I promise you. I pray you, leave me.

ROD. There you are again, Wishing me to leave you alone to mope; But, dear, Rodriguez better knows than leave Her little mistress all uncomforted. Away with nasty grief, and courage take From kind old nurse, and, like her, merry be.

INEZ. Your consolation, nurse, is, perhaps, well meant. Albeit, at present, 'tis superfluous.

ROD. What! Hoity, toity! child; would'st have me see My little Inez pining and downcast, E'en though it be for nought at all; and ne'er Say word to cheer her? Nay, 'tis my duty To my mistress. So here I mean to stick Until I've made you laugh. Come now, madam.

INEZ. (_Aside._) She's insupportable.

ROD. Were I a maid once more, I'd show you how I'd laugh and enjoy the world. Not as you, Pent up these years within a convent cell, Till you've grown musty. A pest on convents all! Keep them for cripples and incurables. For those who from birth so ill-favoured are, They find not husbands. These may chant and sing, And moan and fast, an't please them; but, for you, A maid of Lady Inez's beauty, jammed Within these walls--'tis sacrilege, I ween.

INEZ. Rodriguez, now you must not lightly talk Against those holy women, who have fled All worldly joys to win the peace of Heaven.

ROD. Each to their taste. For me, I love the world.

INEZ. I know it, nurse; but at your age 'twere fit You'd higher thoughts.

ROD. At _my_ age! Pooh! tut, tut! Those with a merry heart are never old. Look at Don Diego, how he bears himself, And all because he has a merry heart. Had he been priest or monk, he had been old At thirty. But just look how proud his step, How clear his eye, how red his manly cheek. Were I a maid once more, just of your age, I straight should lose my heart, and that's a fact. Heigh ho!

INEZ. A truce to this unseemly banter. Nor dare to name that man to me again.

ROD. That man! What, poor Don Diego? In what way Hath he offended, that you treat him thus? I'm sure he is not conscious of his fault, Or he would die with grief; the dear, good man, Fond of you as he is, as all can see.

INEZ. Rodriguez, cease! I'll hear no more, I've said. And let me tell you, nurse, now once for all, It ill becomes thy years and sex, t'enact A part, of all parts most contemptible.

ROD. What part, my pretty child? Don't so misjudge Poor nurse Rodriguez as to think that she Could counsel you for aught but for your good Remember, you are young, my mistress dear, And have yet to unlearn your convent life, That so ill fits you for our merry world. Your father, poor mistaken man----

INEZ. Hold there, And reverence my father as thy lord.

ROD. Ne'er doubt me, mistress mine, but e'en my lord Would counsel you as I would counsel you.

INEZ. Thou speak'st of counsel. How would'st counsel me?

ROD. Nay, then, nought 'gainst your interests; that's clear. Had I your youth and beauty, and your chance, I'd have a care, nor throw such chance away. Lend not the ear to ev'ry stripling, child, Because he's smooth of mien, but look behind The outer gloss, and seek for solid gold.

INEZ. Your counsel, nurse, is mercenary.

ROD. Tut, tut. We've got to live; to live we've got to eat; Then comes our dress, our servants, and what else May appertain unto a lady born, As was your mother, Lady Dorothea,-- Of blessed mem'ry,--when this ancient hall Looked livelier than at the present day. Now hark! my dear young mistress, and attend To these my words, as were they from the lips Of your own sainted mother, who looks down From her high post, and sees all that we do. What, think you, would your fondest mother say, To see this castle go to rack and ruin, Her darling child descend in social scale, Because she would espouse some popinjay. Whose wealth was all he carried on his back? When she could get a chance to marry one (A goodly man, if more mature in years) A great hidalgo, and of wealth untold, By means of which she could redeem this hall, And make it worthy of its better days; Pay off her father's debts, and thus content Him and his household, and all else beside. Why, marry, 'twere rank madness to let slip Such glorious chance, and such a chance have you.

INEZ. Enough.

ROD. Nay, I _will_ speak in duty bound, And tell you, willy-nilly, that the man Who thus would lay his riches at the feet Of my poor master's daughter is none else Than noble Lord Don Diego.

INEZ. I have said I will not have thee mention that man's name; I did divine thy mission from the first, And doubt me not that thou wert amply paid To play the go-between; but learn for once, Base woman, that my heart must not be bought; The purest gift of Heaven was not made To be an article of merchandise. My heart's in mine own keeping, and must ne'er Be given up save to the man I love. Though this pile fall to ruins o'er our heads; Though hunger threaten; though my father's life And other lives at stake be; nay, e'en though This robe be turned to rags and I be sent Abroad to beg my bread, and from the cold Night storm or tempest ne'er a shelter find; Nay, come what will, nought 'gainst the will of Heaven Must e'er be done to suit the present hour.

ROD. Nay, speak not thus, young mistress, but be calm; Rodriguez, too, was once a girl and thought, E'en as you do now.

INEZ. More's the pity then That years, instead of bringing purer thoughts, Should cancel all the purity of youth.

ROD. Nay, mistress mine, what I would say is this: That being in youth, even as yourself, More swayed by my heart than my interests, I gave my heart unto the man I loved, Disdaining higher offer, but soon found Cause to repent for having thrown away A better chance; for Carlos, when he saw That I had nought, and he had nought, he 'gan To lose the love he had for me, and then He beat me, and we quarrelled. Soon he died. And being left destitute, was fain t'accept The place of servant in your father's house.

INEZ. And by this tale of sorrows thou would'st prove That we in this life are in duty bound To sell our souls unto the highest bidder. Away with such foul subtleties, with which The arch-fiend baits his hook to tempt God's own. Give me the quiet of a convent cell, Rather than rank and splendour with disgrace.

ROD. Disgrace! Nay, honour. When the knot is tied You will be held in honour by the world. It is not mere protection that is offered, But legal marriage. There's the difference.

INEZ. The marriage that 'fore Heaven legal is, Is that in which two souls are joined in one, And not the forced and bitter mockery Born of man's interest, by him approved. Such match as thou would'st counsel were no match, But lust and policy combined in one; Most foul adultery in Heaven's eyes, Ay, e'en despite the blessing of the church. But, to cut short this most distasteful theme, Perhaps thou'lt tell me, as an after-clause Included in the pact, should I accept This offer that Don Diego deigns to make, 'Twere necessary that this match take place This night at midnight, without more delay.

ROD. Why, some such clause there is, I must confess, A mere caprice. What matters it? But then The offer is so splendid. Only think!

INEZ. In case of my refusing him. What then?

ROD. You surely would not think of such a thing, If you knew how he loved you.

INEZ. Still I ask, What's the alternative should I refuse?

ROD. I would not counsel you to brave his ire. He loves you most devotedly, I know, And 'tis for that he'd hasten on the match, 'Tis over-eagerness and fear to lose His prize. A groundless fear, I do admit. But he was ever an eccentric man: A good man though.

INEZ. So all I have to fear Is but his ire?

ROD. I know not though what form His ire might take. He's powerful and great, Accustomed to obedience, to command, Like all great military leaders who Hold up their heads above their fellow-men. He _might_ use force. I would not you advise To thwart his will, but quietly to yield.

INEZ. And art thou woman, who would'st counsel me, Through fear of violence of mortal man, To so offend against all chastity As yield obedience to this man's lust? A veteran full four times mine own age, And that, in all hot haste this very night, When I have scarce had time to see his face! Is't this that thou call'st love? Now fie! Now fie! I did think better of thee, nurse Rodriguez, Than that thy tongue could have been bought for gold In such base cause. But since 'tis come to this-- Away from me! and tell the fiend who sent thee, Inez would rather die a thousand deaths Than barter her virtue for all his gold.

ROD. I dare not tell him so, my pretty bird.

INEZ. Then send him here, I'll tell him so myself. I fear no man when God is on my side.

ROD. Nay, mistress, dear, forbear. You know him not.

INEZ. Yet thou would'st have me marry him. For shame!

ROD. I know not what to say. 'Twas urgency, Most dire necessity, that made me speak; Fear for your father's life, mine own, and Pedro's, And last, not least, yourself, my darling child. I am bewildered and half gone mad. What shall we do? Oh, Heaven grant us help.

INEZ. I trust as ever in the help of Heaven. Sustain us, Lord, in our adversity, And let us lack not faith. [_A knock at the door._ Oh, holy saints!

PEDRO. (_Without._) Rodriguez! What ho! Donna Rodriguez! My lord Don Diego awaiteth thee below.

ROD. I come, I come. (_Aside._) Ah me! what shall I say? [_Exit._

INEZ. Now, saints protect us! Holy Virgin, thou Be still my guide, nor let me pray in vain.

[_Inez throws herself half fainting on the prie-dieu, and the scene closes._