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And noble Carlos too—and all of you—
(Taking all their hands, one after another.)
I am indeed so mated.
Bring me a cooling cup, I pray, good Heugho,

My tongue is parch'd. (Heugho presents a cup to him kneeling.

What, wilt thou still upon thine aged limbs

These cumb'rous forms impose? These surly times
Suit not such ceremony, worthy Heugho.

HEUGHO.

Be health and sweet refreshment in the draught,

My royal master!

CONSTANTINE (tasting it).

And so there is: few cups presented thus

Come with such kindness. But I have, in truth,
Shrunk, as a potentate, to such small grasp,
That now I fairly may put in my claim
To the affections of a man—Brave friends,

Health to ye all! (Drinks, then turning with a smile to Justiniani.)

Justiniani, I with thee alone

Have cause of quarrel in this day's long toil.

JUSTINIANI.

How so, an' please your highness?

The holy hermit, counting o'er his beads,
Is not more scrupulous than I have been
Naught of his sacred duty to omit.