_Mar._ Forgive me. I said in jest you had learned your love From Philip. I was sorry. _Man._ Nay, what’s that? 269 Yet ’twas ill said, and may have wounded Philip; Though he must wish us to assume there’s nothing ’Twixt him and Constance: and now he’s our guest We must not let our courtesy be tainted By his own lightness; nay, the tales told of him Are nought to us. He’s of a generous nature, And not forbidding to what faults beset His age and rank. But we make no man better By lower estimation; an open kindliness And trust may help him; let us use such toward him. _Mar._ I will. But then what was’t I said? _Man._ Ah! Why, Your praise of John Palicio. See you not 281 ’Twill injure me with Hugo? Our relations Are tried by public matters: ’tis in the scope Of private intercourse to ease the strain, Or force the rupture. _Mar._ Brother, I am very sorry. I thought ... _Man._ I do not blame your thought. I grant These Spaniards are bad masters. First they wrecked This island to possess it; then the prize, Which kindness might have much enriched, is stripped Even to the bone by cruelty and rapine. 290 Their viceroy too, this Hugo—a man who governs But to be governor, and even at that Fails like a fool. To see the folk misruled More grieves me than to see the folk misled. And if they have much cause to rise, there’s none Hath more to lead them, than the native outlaw, Whom you so praised. _Re-enter Servant._ _Mar._ Then you forgive me, brother? _Man._ Well, well, good-night! _Mar._ Good-night! [_Exit._ _Man._ Giuseppe, prepare The little room at the end of the corridor; I will sleep there. I shall not want thee more. 300 [_Exit servant._ It matters not what happens, day by day The rupture grows. ’Tis plain Hugo and I Are foes at heart—and what a pitiful trick To put the question of my marriage by, Withholding his consent just for the thought, That while my happiness hangs on his nod, I must be closer bound to serve his interest, Now, when his credit totters. Doth he not know That honourable minds, thro’ very fear Of their self-interest, are thrust away 310 Beyond their counter-judgment? Nay, ’tis clear He falls, he falls; and were’t not now for Constance, I’d gladly see him fall. _Palicio comes forward._ A woman here! Why, who art thou? _Pal._ Hush, hush! I am no woman.