SCENE III.
Morning. The Studio. Enter RIBEBA.
RIBERA.
How laughingly the clear sun shines to-day
On storm-drenched green, and cool, far-glittering seas !
When she comes in to greet me, she will blush
For last night s terrors. How she crouched and shuddered
At the mere thought of the wild war without!
Poor, clinging women s souls, what need is theirs
Of our protecting love ! Yet even on me
The shadow of the storm-cloud seemed to brood.
Through my vexed sleep I heard the thunder roll;
My dreams were ugly Well, all that is past;
To-day my spirit is renewed- ’T is long
Since I have felt so fresh.
Strange, she still sleeps!
The hour is past when she is wont to come
To bless me with the kiss of virgin love.
Mayhap t was fever in her eyes last night
Gave them so wild a glance, so bright a lustre.
God ! if she should be ill ! [He rises and calls.
Luca !
