Hush! hush! a passenger.

I:1:16 PAGE.
Most noble Cavaliers, I pray, inform me
Where the great Count Alarcos holds his quarter.

I:1:17 2ND COURT.
In the chief square. His banner tells the roof;
Your pleasure with the Count, my gentle youth?

I:1:18 PAGE.
I were a sorry messenger to tell
My mission to the first who asks its aim.

I:1:19 2ND COURT.
The Count Alarcos is my friend and chief.

I:1:20 PAGE.
Then better reason I should trusty be,
For you can be a witness to my trust.

I:1:21 1ST COURT.
A forward youth!

I:1:22 2ND COURT.
A page is ever pert

I:1:23 PAGE.
Ay! ever pert is youth that baffles age.

[Exit PAGE.]

I:1:24 1ST COURT.
The Count is married?

I:1:25 2ND COURT.
To a beauteous lady;
And blessed with a fair race. A happy man
Indeed is Count Alarcos.

[A trumpet sounds.]

I:1:26 1ST COURT.
Prithee, see;
Passes he now?

I:1:27 2ND COURT.
Long since. Yon banner tells
The Count Sidonia. Let us on, and view
The passage of his pomp. His Moorish steeds,
They say, are very choice.

[Exeunt Two Courtiers.]

SCENE 2.

A Chamber in the Palace of Alarcos. The COUNTESS seated and
working at her tapestry; the COUNT pacing the Chamber.

I:2:1 COUN.
You are disturbed, Alarcos?

I:2:2 ALAR.
'Tis the stir
And tumult of this morn. I am not used
To Courts.

I:2:3 COUN.
I know not why, it is a name
That makes me tremble.

I:2:4 ALAR.
Tremble, Florimonde,
Why should you tremble?

I:2:5 COUN.
Sooth I cannot say.
Methinks the Court but little suits my kind;
I love our quiet home.

I:2:6 ALAR.
This is our home,

I:2:7 CO