I know my man. Shrouded by careful night.
We will set secret sail for Sicily.
Once in Palermo, thou rnayst write thy father
Sue for his pardon tell him that, ere long,
When I have won by cautious policy
King Philip s favor, thou shalt be proclaimed
Princess of Austria.
I cannot ! no ! I cannot !
DON JOHN (scornfully).
I feared as much. Well, it is better thus.
I asked thee not to front the " worst of ills
That envious fate could heap upon thy head "
Only a little patience. T was too much ;
I cannot blame thee. T is a loving father.
I, a mere stranger, had naught else to hope,
Matching my claim with his.
MARIA (looks at him and throws herself at his feet).
Oh, pardon, pardon !
My Lord, my Prince, my husband ! I am thine !
Lead wheresoe er thou wilt, I follow thee.
Tell me a life s devotion may efface
The weakness of a moment !
DON JOHN (raising her tenderly and embracing her).
Ah, mine own !
