_Mar._ I have lived too long that counterfeit of life. I’ll strive like thee: something I’ll do, like thee, To lessen misery. Nay, if man’s curse 1132 Hang in necessity, I have the heart To combat that, and find if in some part Fate be not vulnerable. _Pal._ O joy, my dearest: I wronged thee ages by a moment’s thought That thou wouldst shrink ... Then is our marriage fixed? _Mar._ There’s none can hinder it. _Pal._ O, blessed joy! Yet how can I be sure, love, that thou knowest, Finding the word so easy, what a mountain 1140 There lies to lift? Pledging to me and mine Thy heart this hour, a hundred thousand stings Will plague thee from this moment, to drive thee back. _Mar._ Try me, Giovanni. _Pal._ Wilt thou aid me, love, To fly to-night? By morning I may meet My men at San Martino: all my schemes May yet be saved. _Mar._ Ah! wilt thou go, Giovanni? Thou’rt yet too weak. _Pal._ My presence, not my strength, Is needed. _Mar._ Alas! I fear. _Pal._ What, Margaret, dost thou fear? _Mar._ Only for thee. Yet go; I can be with thee By noon. My brother has a little house 1151 At Monreale, where I am used to stay When the wish takes me. There I’ll go to-morrow, And thence can visit thee. Thou didst not mean I should not come? I shall not hinder thee. _Pal._ Nay, nay. _Mar._ I’ll let thee from the house to-night, And give thee money which will aid thee well. My brother need know nothing. I can make The journey thither in an hour, and choose My time to beg his grace. _Pal._ What do I owe thee! 1160 Freedom, and life, and love,—thy love ... O, Margaret, What I shall do will pay thee. _Mar._ I must leave: For Manuel else will question of my stay. _Pal._ My treasure lost so soon! _Mar._ I go to save What we have won. Farewell. _Pal._ Say at what hour I may go hence; and how. _Mar._ At dead of night: ’Tis safest then. _Pal._ And wilt thou come thyself?