Chapter 8

Amelrosa _in white robes, crowned with flowers_, Estella, _with a letter._

_Amelrosa._ 'Tis strange! At this late hour! In armour say'st thou?

_Estel._ In sable armour; round his neck was slung A bugle horn. In courteous guise he prayed me Give you this note unseen.

_Amel._ Unseen! How is this? [_Reading_]

"One, not unknown, requests an immediate audience on matters most important. Princess, delay not as you value your father's life." Not signed! My father's life! Estella say, Did he not tell his name?

_Estel._ He said this jewel Would speak whence came his letter.

_Amel._ Ha! The ring I gave Orsino! Quickly seek yon stranger, And charge him meet me at St. Juan's chapel; For there to pass the night in grateful prayer, E'en now I go----Friend speed thee.

_Amel._ [_Alone_] Doubt and terror---- My father's life?--And yet, for such a father What need I fear? Heaven will defend its own, And wings of seraphs shield that king from harm, Whose proudest title is--"his people's father," Whose dearest treasure is his people's love! [_Exit._