Drink the swift waters of a mountain torrent, And still do thirst for more. (_Kisses her._) _A Watchman in the street._ Ave Maria Purissima! ’Tis midnight and serene! _Vic._ Hear’st thou that cry? _Pre._ It is a hateful sound, To scare thee from me! _Vic._ As the hunter’s horn Doth scare the timid stag, or bark of hounds The moor-fowl from his mate. _Pre._ Pray do not go! _Vic._ I must away to Alcalá to-night. Think of me when I am away. _Pre._ Fear not! I have no thoughts that do not think of thee. _Vic._ (_giving her a ring._) And to remind thee of my love, take this. A serpent emblem of Eternity, A ruby,—say, a drop of my heart’s blood. _Pre._ It is an ancient saying, that the ruby Brings gladness to the wearer, and preserves The heart pure, and, if laid beneath the pillow, Drives away evil dreams. But then, alas! It was a serpent tempted Eve to sin. _Vic._ What convent of barefooted Carmelites Taught thee so much theology? _Pre._ (_laying her hand upon his mouth._) Hush! hush! Good night! and may all holy angels guard thee! _Vic._ Good night! good night! Thou art my guardian angel! I have no other saint than thee to pray to! (_He descends by the balcony._) _Pre._ Take care, and do not hurt thee. Art thou safe? _Vic._ (_from the garden._) Safe as my love for thee! But art thou safe? Others can climb a balcony by moonlight As well as I. Pray, shut thy window close; I’m jealous of the perfumed air of night That from this garden climbs to kiss thy lips. _Pre._ (_throwing down her handkerchief._) Thou silly child! Take this to blind thine eyes. It is my benison! _Vic._ And brings to me Sweet fragrance from thy lips, as the soft wind Wafts to the out-bound mariner the breath Of the beloved land he leaves behind. _Pre._ Make not thy voyage long. _Vic._ To-morrow night Shall see me safe returned. Thou art the star To guide me to an anchorage. Good night! My beauteous star! My star of love, good night! _Pre._ Good night! _Watchman._ (_at a distance._) Ave Maria Purissima! Scene IV.—_Victorian’s rooms at Alcalá. Hypolito asleep in an arm-chair. A clock strikes three. He awakes slowly._