_Man._ Hear them. Palicio’s life is forfeit, for he has killed Three of his guards: but to the dangerous deed He had provocation, such as I should hold Clears him of crime: wherefore I take upon me To force a loan of Justice while she sleeps, For fear a thief should rob her: to this, moreover, The claim of kinship binds me,—nay, be patient, And hear me out.—Already our disorders 840 Have been reported at the Spanish court; The enquiry set on foot will much endamage Hugo’s good name: I doubt not we shall have Another viceroy, and the revolution Will justify the movers. _Mar._ Oh! all that, Be as it may, will never cure his wound. He needs a surgeon: we must find a surgeon. _Man._ No: he must lie concealed till I procure His pardon. His discovery now were death. _Mar._ But if I bring one secretly? _Man._ How secretly? 850 Better cry down the streets the man is here: That might escape attention. _Mar._ I know a man. Have I not sometimes shewn thee certain sonnets Writ in Sicilian speech? _Man._ Eh! Michael Rosso? _Mar._ ’Tis he. I think he’d love to do my bidding In a more dangerous matter. Give me leave, I’ll bring him here to-night. _Man._ I had thought of him, But shrank from taxing his good-will. And yet— (_Aside._) For his own sake ’twere kind ... and Margaret asks it ... Secrets, they say, discover sympathies.— 860 (_Aloud._) Ay, ’tis well thought of. _Mar._ I can answer for him. _Man._ I see. Yet there’s no cause why he should know. Escort him blindfold hither; let Palicio Have his face covered. Let him ask no questions: And when ’tis done convey him blindfold back. ’Twere best he should not know. _Mar._ O, brother, I thank thee. _Man._ Why, girl, thou’rt crazed. _Mar._ May I not go at once? _Man._ Nay, wait till dusk; and see, take here my seal, Since thou must go alone: ’twill be thy freedom From any questionings of any people. 870 Use all precautions, and impose on Rosso Sacredest secrecy: ’tis thou and he Must carry it thro’. Be careful. _Mar._ I will put on Some common clothing, and disguise my face. I thank thee. [_Exit._