Stay, stay, I am most unlucky, most unhappy. You never had look’d in on me before, And when you came and dipt your sovereign head Thro’ these low doors, you ask’d to eat with me. I had but emptiness to set before you, No not a draught of milk, no not an egg, Nothing but my brave bird, my noble falcon, My comrade of the house, and of the field. She had to die for it—she died for you. Perhaps I thought with those of old, the nobler The victim was, the more acceptable Might be the sacrifice. I fear you scarce Will thank me for your entertainment now. LADY GIOVANNA (_returning_). I bear with him no longer. COUNT. No, Madonna! And he will have to bear with it as he may. LADY GIOVANNA. I break with him for ever! COUNT. Yes, Giovanna, But he will keep his love to you for ever! LADY GIOVANNA. You? you? not you! My brother! my hard brother! O Federigo, Federigo, I love you! Spite of ten thousand brothers, Federigo. [_Falls at his feet._ COUNT (_impetuously_). Why then the dying of my noble bird Hath served me better than her living—then [_Takes diamonds from table._ These diamonds are both yours and mine—have won Their value again—beyond all markets—there I lay them for the first time round your neck. [_Lays necklace round her neck._ And then this chaplet—No more feuds, but peace, Peace and conciliation! I will make Your brother love me. See, I tear away The leaves were darken’d by the battle—— [_Pulls leaves off and throws them down._ —crown you Again with the same crown my Queen of Beauty. [_Places wreath on her head._ Rise—I could almost think that the dead garland Will break once more into the living blossom. Nay, nay, I pray you rise. [_Raises her with both hands._ We two together Will help to heal your son—your son and mine— We shall do it—we shall do it. [_Embraces her._ The purpose of my being is accomplish’d, And I am happy! LADY GIOVANNA. And I too, Federigo. THE END. _Printed by R. & R. CLARK, Edinburgh._ * * * * * _Crown 8vo. Price 7s. 6d._ THE WORKS OF LORD TENNYSON POET LAUREATE.