Enter on one side ANNICCA and DON TOMMASO, attired for the ball; on the other side, RLBEKA.
RIBERA.
What do ye here, my children ? Haste away !
Maria waits you for the ball ; folk say
T will be the bravest show e er seen in Naples.
I warrant you the Spagnoletto brings
The richest jewels what say st thou, my son ?
DON TOMMASO.
I who have robbed you of one gem, need scarce
Re-word, sir, how I prize it.
RIBERA.
Why, ’t is true.
Robbed me, thou sayst ? So hast thou. She was mine—
The balanced beauty of her flesh and spirit,
That was my garland, and I was her all,
Till thou, a stranger, stole her heart s allegiance,
Suborned Forgive me, I am old, a father,
Whose doting passions blind. I am not jealous,
Believe me, sir. When we Riberas give,
We give without retraction or reserve,
Were it our life-blood. I rejoice with thee
That she is thine ; nor am I quite bereft,
I have some treasure still. I do repent
So heartily of my discourteous speech,
That I will crave your leave before I kiss
Your wife s soft palm.
