_Osorio._ Tut! name it not. A sudden seizure, father! think not of it. As to this woman's husband, I _do_ know him: I know him well, and that he is a Christian. 160 _Francesco._ I hope, my lord, your sensibility Doth not prevail. _Osorio._ Nay, nay--you know me better. You hear what I have said. But 'tis a trifle. I had something here of more importance. [_Touching his forehead as if in the act of recollection._ Hah! The Count Mondejar, our great general, 165 Writes, that the bishop we were talking of Has sicken'd dangerously. _Francesco._ Even so. _Osorio._ I must return my answer. _Francesco._ When, my lord? _Osorio._ To-morrow morning, and shall not forget How bright and strong your zeal for the Catholic faith. 170 _Francesco._ You are too kind, my lord! You overwhelm me. _Osorio._ Nay, say not so. As for this Ferdinand, 'Tis certain that he _was_ a Catholic. What changes may have happen'd in three years, I cannot say, but grant me this, good father! 175 I'll go and sift him: if I find him sound, You'll grant me your authority and name To liberate his house. _Francesco._ My lord you have it. _Osorio (to Alhadra)._ I will attend you home within an hour. Meantime return with us, and take refreshment. 180 _Alhadra._ Not till my husband's free, I may not do it. I will stay here. _Maria (aside)._ Who is this Ferdinand? _Velez._ Daughter! _Maria._ With your permission, my dear lord, I'll loiter a few minutes, and then join you. [_Exeunt VELEZ, FRANCESCO, and OSORIO._ _Alhadra._ Hah! there he goes. A bitter curse go with him. 185 A scathing curse! [_ALHADRA had been betrayed by the warmth of her feelings into an imprudence. She checks herself, yet recollecting MARIA'S manner towards FRANCESCO, says in a shy and distrustful manner_ You hate him, don't you, lady! _Maria._ Nay, fear me not! my heart is sad for you. _Alhadra._ These fell Inquisitors, these sons of blood! As I came on, his face so madden'd me That ever and anon I clutch'd my dagger 190 And half unsheathed it. _Maria._ Be more calm, I pray you. _Alhadra._ And as he stalk'd along the narrow path Close on the mountain's edge, my soul grew eager. 'Twas with hard toil I made myself remember That his foul officers held my babes and husband. 195 To have leapt upon him with a Tyger's plunge And hurl'd him down the ragged precipice, O--it had been most sweet!