Shine as immortal poems, at the touch Of some poor, houseless, homeless, wandering bard, Who had but a night's lodging for his pains. But there are brighter dreams than those of Fame, Which are the dreams of Love! Out of the heart As from some woodland fount a spirit rises Ere the enamored knight can touch her robe! 'T is this ideal that the soul of man Waits for upon the margin of Life's stream; Have found the bright ideal of my dreams. Here, as I sit at midnight and alone, The pressure of her head! God's benison Rest ever on it! Close those beauteous eyes, Sweet Sleep! and all the flowers that bloom at night With balmy lips breathe in her ears my name! (Gradually sinks asleep.) ACT II. SCENE I. PRECIOSA's chamber. Morning. PRECIOSA and ANGELICA. PRECIOSA. WHY will you go so soon? Stay yet awhile. From hearts that shut against them with a sound ANGELICA. The Count of Lara. PRECIOSA. The Count of Lara? O, beware that man! And rather die an outcast in the streets Than touch his gold. ANGELICA. You know him, then! PRECIOSA. As much As any woman may, and yet be pure. As you would keep your name without a blemish, ANGELICA. Alas! what can I do? I cannot choose my friends. Each word of kindness, Come whence it may, is welcome to the poor. PRECIOSA. Make me your friend. A girl so young and fair Was given you, that you might be an angel O, be an angel still! she needs that smile. No one can harm you! I am a poor girl, I have no other shield than mine own virtue. That is the charm which has protected me! Here on my heart! It is my guardian angel. ANGELICA (rising). I thank you for this counsel, dearest lady. PRECIOSA. Thank me by following it. ANGELICA. Indeed I will. PRECIOSA. Pray, do not go. I have much more to say. ANGELICA. My mother is alone. I dare not leave her. PRECIOSA. Some other time, then, when we meet again. (Gives her a purse.) Take this. Would it were more. ANGELICA. I thank you, lady. PRECIOSA. No thanks. To-morrow come to me again. ANGELICA. O, my dear lady! how shall I be grateful For so much kindness? PRECIOSA. Farewell! Remember that you come again to-morrow. ANGELICA. I will. And may the blessed Virgin guard you, And all good angels. PRECIOSA. [Exit. May they guard thee too, And all the poor; for they have need of angels. (Enter BELTRAN Cruzado.) CRUZADO. Ave Maria! PRECIOSA. O God! my evil genius! What seekest thou here to-day? CRUZADO. Thyself, my child PRECIOSA. What is thy will with me? CRUZADO. Gold! gold! |