_Isid._ I've often thought how sweet that love must be Where all is sanction'd, nought is to conceal-- When hand may lock in hand, heart beat with heart, And the whole world may smile but not upbraid. Such love a sister towards a brother bears, And such a mother feels towards her son. I have no brother--none of kin but you. Now, dearest mother, for mother you have been Unto my childhood and now budding youth, Would that my feebleness could e'er repay Your years of love. O that I could console you, And prove me grateful! Heaven ne'er be mine If these, my sobbing words, be not sincere. _Inez._ 'Tis well, my child, thou canst console me much: Let my sad tale but prove to thee a beacon And I am satisfied. Tell me, my love, Hast thou no secrets hidden in thy breast? [_Isidora, still kneeling, covers her face with her hands._] Hast thou fulfill'd thy oft-repeated promise? _Isid._ Forgive me, dearest aunt; forgive and pity me! _Inez._ Last night, my child, I heard the sound of music: Methought thy name was wafted by the air With most harmonious utterance. _Isid._ Forgive me, aunt, but say that you forgive me! You shall know all. _Inez._ I do, my Isidora, I forgive thee (_raises her_). But I must have thy confidence, my child. Who is this cavalier? _Isid._ Alas! I know not. _Inez._ Not know, my Isidora? Hast thou then Been so unwise as to receive a stranger? _Isid._ Alas! I have, but too much for my peace. _Inez._ Thou lov'st him then? [_Isidora throws herself into the arms of Inez and bursts into tears._] (_Aside_) The barb has entered deeply. (_Aloud_) Isidora, Come, come, cheer up, my love, I mean not to reproach. All may yet be well. (_Inez kisses Isidora, and they separate._) Thou say'st he is a stranger? _Isid._ I only know he calls himself Don Gaspar. I have indeed been foolish. _Inez._ Has he ne'er mention'd his condition, His family or descent? _Isid._ Never; and when that I would question him, He answers vaguely. There is some mystery. _Inez._ With honest love concealment never dwells. When does he come again? _Isid._ To-morrow even--and he'll keep his word. _Inez._ Then will I see him. Fear not, my love, No trifling cause shall bar thy happiness. Be he but gentle, e'en of Moorish blood, And honest, he is thine. Go to thy chamber, Thither will I follow, that we some project May devise, which shall remove all obstacle. [_Exit Isidora._ I like not this Don Gaspar, and my heart Forebodes some evil nigh. I may be wrong, But in my sear'd imagination, He is some snake whose fascinating eyes, Fix'd on my trembling bird, have drawn her down Into his pois'nous fangs. How frail our sex! Prudence may guard us from th' assaults of passion, But storm'd the citadel, in woman's heart, Victorious love admits no armistice Or sway conjoint. He garrisons alone. [_Exit Inez._ _Act III. Scene I._