Page:The poems of Emma Lazarus volume 1.djvu/296

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282
THE SPAGNOLETTO.

MARIA.

I, sir, twice
Have unaware stood in your royal presence.
You are welcome to my father s home and mine.
I scarce need crave your pardon for my entrance;
Yourself must see how well assured I felt
My father was alone.

DON JOHN.

And so you hoped To find him shall I read your answer thus ?

RIBERA.

Nay, press her not. Your Highness does her wrong,
So harshly to construe her simpleness.
My daughter and myself are one, and both
Will own an equal pleasure if you bide.

DON JOHN (seating himself).

You chain me with kind words.

MARIA.

My father, sir, Hath surely told you our delight and marvel
At the enchantments of your feast. For me
The night was brief, rich, beautiful, and strange
As a bright dream.