And here be cradled, thing of wond'rous joy!
(Taking the child.)
Here, in the inmost core of beating life,
I'd lodge thee. Mine thou art! yes, thou art mine!
Here is my treasured being: thou wilt love me.
(Laying his face close to the child's.)
Blest softness! little hand and little cheek!
This is a touch so sweet! a blessed touch!
There is love in it; love that will not change!
(Bursting into tears, while the Nurse takes the child again.)
COUNTESS (aside , observing his emotion).
And father of my boy! is there within thee
Such soft and strong affection? O, there is!
And with it every good and generous feeling.
Forgive me, O forgive me!
GARCIO.
How wakes this sudden burst of tenderness?
Dost thou at last feel for thy wretched husband
The love of other days?—I've thought of thee—
I've thought of this our meeting, but, alas!
Not so my fancy shaped it.
