MARIA.
Juan, beware ! My father s fears,
I cannot guess by whom or what, are roused.
[She extenus her arms gropingly to embrace him.
Oh, let me feel thee near me I see naught.
Follow me ; here our voices may be heard.
[She hastens towards the summer-house, leaning upon
his arm, and sinks upon a seat.
Have not slow ages passed with crowding woes
Since we last met! What have I not endured!
Oh, Juan, save me!
DON JOHN.
Dearest child, be calm.
Thou art strangely overwrought. Speak not. Await
Till this wild fear be past.
MARIA.
How great you are !
Your simple presence stills and comforts me.
While you are here, the one thing real to me
In all the universe is love.
DON JOHN.
And yet
My love is here, if I be far or nigh.
Is this the spirit of a soldier’s wife?
Nay, fiery courage, iron fortitude,
That soul must own that dares to say, " I love."
