_Man._ What is your memory for our studies, Philip?
_Ph._ Too slippery for my profit. Yet the pleasure Lives very brightly;—nay, I could but name One deprivation I have more regretted.
_Ph._ Ah! If you share the secret, and I be thought Worthy of initiation, may I hear it?
_Mar._ And welcome. Manuel, in his deep research For the first cause and harmony of things, 91 Hit upon both together—they are one: ’Tis love. And now, since I profess it not, And since ’twas learnt of you...
_Ph._ I am very proud of such a pupil. (_Aside._) Since He has learned my love so readily, it may be That he may catch my jealousy—
_Hu._ Come, duke, Sit here by me. There’s more to talk of. Livio, Fetch us the papers.
_Philip crosses to_ L. _and sits by Hugo_.
_Man._ (_crossing to_ R.). They must grant us, Constance, A moment now. All day I have been away, 100 And yesterday I saw you not at all. Can you forgive a lover so remiss?
_Man._ The time Can be but short, but it shall make amends.
_Bl._ (_coming forward with Fer._). Fair lady Margaret, Count Ferdinand of Vergas; I present him At his desire.
_Fer._ Lady, ’tis worth the pains To cross from Spain to see you.
_Mar._ From that I guess That you are a better sailor than the duke. 110
_Fer._ Now if I had not, I’d blame your stormy town Before the sea for that: since we left ship We are cabined in this house; to pass the door Were to leap overboard in a whole gale.
_Mar._ I fear this is no country for you, sir, If noises in the street keep you indoors.
Take warning, count; Sicily’s fairest rose Blooms on an angry plant.
_Mar._ But we can boast Of warriors that for fragrance shame the rose. 120 (_To Liv._) Is’t musk to-day?
_Enter Messenger_ R., _crosses to Hugo_ L.
This paper, sire, is posted thro’ the town.
_Hu._ Eh, eh! what have we here? [_Reads._
_Citizens of Palermo, King Pedro is dead. God rest his soul! The office of Viceroy being vacant, the Parliament of townsmen, assembled in the church of San Lorenzo, have this day elected Manuel to be your viceroy, in place of Hugo. Death to Hugo! Long live the king!_
_Man._ I know 130 No more than doth your excellence. But ’tis plain That they are orderers who put on a dress Of regular authority; they use The senatorial voice, and over all They have now usurped my name to have it thought That I have set their hatch.