_Osorio._ You are merciful. [_Looking at ALHADRA._ 120 I would that I could serve you; but in truth Your face is new to me. [_ALHADRA is about to speak, but is interrupted by_ _Francesco._ Aye, aye--I thought so; And so I said to one of the familiars. A likely story, said I, that Osorio, The gallant nobleman, who fought so bravely 125 Some four years past against these rebel Moors; Working so hard from out the garden of faith To eradicate these weeds detestable; That he should countenance this vile Moresco, Nay, be his friend--and warrant him, forsooth! 130 Well, well, my lord! it is a warning to me; Now I return. _Alhadra._ My lord, my husband's name Is Ferdinand: you may remember it. Three years ago--three years this very week-- You left him at Almeria. _Francesco (triumphantly)._ Palpably false! 135 This very week, three years ago, my lord! (You needs must recollect it by your wound) You were at sea, and fought the Moorish fiends Who took and murder'd your poor brother Albert. [_MARIA looks at FRANCESCO with disgust and horror. OSORIO'S appearance to be collected from the speech that follows._ _Francesco (to Velez and pointing to Osorio)._ What? is he ill, my lord? How strange he looks! 140 _Velez (angrily)._ You started on him too abruptly, father! The fate of one, on whom you know he doted. _Osorio (starting as in a sudden agitation)._ O heavens! _I_ doted! [_Then, as if recovering himself._ Yes! I DOTED on him! [_OSORIO walks to the end of the stage. VELEZ follows soothing him._ _Maria (her eye following them)._ I do not, cannot love him. Is my heart hard? Is my heart hard? that even now the thought 145 Should force itself upon me--yet I feel it! _Francesco._ The drops did start and stand upon his forehead! I will return--in very truth I grieve To have been the occasion. Ho! attend me, woman! _Alhadra (to Maria)._ O gentle lady, make the father stay 150 Till that my lord recover. I am sure That he will say he is my husband's friend. _Maria._ Stay, father, stay--my lord will soon recover. [_OSORIO and VELEZ returning._ _Osorio (to Velez as they return)._ Strange! that this Francesco Should have the power so to distemper me. 155 _Velez._ Nay, 'twas an amiable weakness, son! _Francesco (to Osorio)._ My lord, I truly grieve----