_La. Alb._ Ay, let him wed her straight. What waits he for? Let her be lost in him, This rare, this unmatched wonder of a man, And I will cast this shadow from my life, Heave off the weight that seventeen years I've borne, And walk the lighter, for I've known what 'tis To step high 'neath a load. O, let them wed As soon as may be, Hubert. Why not now? _Hub._ He waits to win her heart. _La. Alb._ Cares he for that? You can command her, Hubert. _Hub._ But will not. She is a plant of Nature's tenderest love, And must be won to bloom by softest airs, Else shall we risk the gentle life and see No buds unfold. _La. Alb._ I understand her not, Nor try. She is a part of strangest days, That like to burning dreams bewilder as They scar the recollection. She's more kin To those strange creatures of the wood that peeped About my shelter when she lay a babe Than to my blood. Yet she is mine--my daughter. _Hub._ Wilt you not see her? _La. Alb._ No. _Hub._ You will find her up. _La. Alb._ Why should I see her? Give a stranger's kiss, And hear her stiffly say "Your ladyship"? If she would love me! _Hub._ Do not weep. _La. Alb._ You think I do not suffer. _Hub._ I've no wish to think so. _La. Alb._ I'm nearly mad at times! But I must go. _Hub._ [_Hesitating_] How is--the princess? _La. Alb._ Margaret? O, well, But every day more full of starts and whims. Last night the king was with us---- _Hub._ Ah, the king? _La. Alb._ She gave him stinted welcome. Then my lord Came in with news of the advancing fleet, And danger to the throne, concluding with Your aim to put to sea, and at that point She swooned quite prettily and pleased the king. _Hub._ She swooned? _La. Alb._ Most properly, the king being by To know it was for him. _Hub._ O--ay, for him! _La. Alb._ Who else? I hope they'll soon be wed. _Hub._ Be wed? Henry is young. _La. Alb._ But old enough being king. And Albemarle is pressing for the marriage. 'Tis now ten years since Margaret came from Scotland To be his charge. A pretty child--do you Remember? But now grown from beauty, pale And fanciful. You've seen the change? _Hub._ To me She never changes but to show herself More beautiful. _La. Alb._ You have not seen it? Pah! Now I must go. Good brother, fare you well. You've given me comfort. [_Kisses him_] _Hub._ Farewell, Eleanor. [_Exit lady Albemarle_]