The threshold, and with joy ascends
The stairs, and then her way she wends,
With trembling limbs, from room to room,
But vainly seeketh in their gloom
Fair-Welcome, who, all worn and spent,
Was leaning ’gainst the battlement.
She noted how his hope grew dim,
And trimmed her speech to comfort him.13240
The Duenna.
How now, fair son, quoth she, much pain
Is mine to see your spirit wane;
Say then what grief doth trouble you,
And I an end will put thereto
If so I may. Confide in me.
The Author.
Fair-Welcome mystified
Fair-Welcome wondered what might be
The gist of this, but did not dare
Believe her, though she spoke him fair;
And as he strove to think about
This thing, fulfilled was he of doubt;13250
He did not dare to show offence,
Yet felt in her no confidence,
And though his spirit was atremble,
He deemed it wiser to dissemble
His mind, however much might he
Doubt the old cat’s sincerity;
Yet feels at heart suspicion dire,
Lest treason doth her speech inspired.
Misease within him lurks e’en while
His visage bears a merry smile,13260
And cheerful air of unconcern.
