_Ph._ I am very proud of such a pupil. (_Aside._) Since He has learned my love so readily, it may be That he may catch my jealousy— _Hu._ Come, duke, Sit here by me. There’s more to talk of. Livio, Fetch us the papers. _Philip crosses to_ L. _and sits by Hugo_. _Man._ (_crossing to_ R.). They must grant us, Constance, A moment now. All day I have been away, 100 And yesterday I saw you not at all. Can you forgive a lover so remiss? _CONSTANCE._ I fear I half deserve your fear. _Man._ The time Can be but short, but it shall make amends. [_They talk together._ _Bl._ (_coming forward with Fer._). Fair lady Margaret, Count Ferdinand of Vergas; I present him At his desire. _Fer._ Your ladyship’s true servant. _Mar._ I am much honoured. _Fer._ Lady, ’tis worth the pains To cross from Spain to see you. _Mar._ From that I guess That you are a better sailor than the duke. 110 _Fer._ Nay, you judge wrong. _Mar._ Have you then ate no dinner? _Fer._ Now if I had not, I’d blame your stormy town Before the sea for that: since we left ship We are cabined in this house; to pass the door Were to leap overboard in a whole gale. _Mar._ I fear this is no country for you, sir, If noises in the street keep you indoors. _LIVIO._ Take warning, count; Sicily’s fairest rose Blooms on an angry plant. _Mar._ But we can boast Of warriors that for fragrance shame the rose. 120 (_To Liv._) Is’t musk to-day? _Liv._ (_to Fer._). I told you. _Enter Messenger_ R., _crosses to Hugo_ L. _MESSENGER._ This paper, sire, is posted thro’ the town. _Hu._ Eh, eh! what have we here? [_Reads._ _Citizens of Palermo, King Pedro is dead. God rest his soul! The office of Viceroy being vacant, the Parliament of townsmen, assembled in the church of San Lorenzo, have this day elected Manuel to be your viceroy, in place of Hugo. Death to Hugo! Long live the king!_ Why, Manuel, what’s this parliament? _Man._ I know 130 No more than doth your excellence. But ’tis plain That they are orderers who put on a dress Of regular authority; they use The senatorial voice, and over all They have now usurped my name to have it thought That I have set their hatch. [_Shouts without of “Death to Hugo! The Despatches!”_] _Ph._ Here comes the parliament. _Hu._ Now this is what I feared. Manuel, I pray you, Go to the balcony, you have their ear; Use then your credit.