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THE SPAGNOLETTO.
309
MARIA.
And I dare say it. I can bear the worst
That envious fate may heap upon my head,
If thou art with me, or for hope of thee.
DON JOHN.
Art sure of that ? Thou couldst not part from me,
Even for thy father s sake?
MARIA.
Talk you of parting?
For God s sake, what is this? You love no more?
DON JOHN.
Rather I love so truly that I shrink
From asking thee to share a soldier s fate.
I tremble to uproot so fine a flower
From its dear native earth. I—
MARIA (putting her hand on his lips).
Hush, no more !
I need no preparation more than this,
Your mere request.
DON JOHN.
There spake my heroine.
The King, my father, bids me to repair
Unto Palermo.
