Zapel.

Here are thy lilies.

Al. ’Tis enough of these; I thank thee, Zapel. Now there grows a flower Wild 'neath the castle walls, a yellow rose It seems, of stubborn habit, branching low; When walking on the ramparts I have seen it, And wondered whence it drew its sustenance, In scattered tufts upon the waste sea sand; Go to the gate, and say I sent thee forth; And pluck me blooms, and a young stem of it That I may plant at home: if it should thrive, It shall be proud I ever looked upon it. Why dost thou laugh? Didst thou not hearken, girl?

Za. I heard thee well: Go forth, Zapel, thou saidst; Go where thou wilt, so thou return not soon. Now is the hour prince Ferdinand should come: Lovers would be alone.

Al. Be sure of this; ’Tis my sole comfort to be rid of thee; And when we are back in Fez, I will bestow thee Upon another mistress.

Za. If ’tis Fez, I care not. I’ll commend me to the queen That shall be of Morocco ... why, thou goest The way to spoil thy fortunes, and dost shame The suit of a most high and worthy prince By favouring the Christian.

Al. Favouring Dar’st thou to say?

Za. I say but what I see. The infidel is dazzled by thy beauty; And if thou dost not love his flatteries, How is it that thou art found so oft alone Where he must walk? that now these three days past At break of dawn, ere thou wast used to stir Thou must go forth, because the moon is bright, Or dwindling stars should be beheld, or flowers Gathered in dew; and I, who must be roused To bear thee company, am in haste dismissed, Or sent on useless errands, while the prince Steals in my place? If I should say ’twas love....

Al. Folly! what folly in thee. And if ’twere true, Should I need thee to tell me? Go fetch my yellow roses.

Za. And in time: See here he comes.

Al. Begone.

Za. Ay, I must go. (Aside.) But I can send another. [Exit.

Al. What is it I resent? that others see us Is our life’s evidence: loving as being Needs this conviction.

Enter Ferdinand.