Shine as immortal poems, at the touch

Of some poor, houseless, homeless, wandering bard, Who had but a night's lodging for his pains.

But there are brighter dreams than those of Fame,

Which are the dreams of Love! Out of the heart
Rises the bright ideal of these dreams,

As from some woodland fount a spirit rises
And sinks again into its silent deeps,

Ere the enamored knight can touch her robe!

'T is this ideal that the soul of man

Waits for upon the margin of Life's stream;
Waits to behold her rise from the dark waters,
Clad in a mortal shape! Alas! how many
Must wait in vain! The stream flows evermore,
But from its silent deeps no spirit rises!
Yet I, born under a propitious star,

Have found the bright ideal of my dreams.
Yes! she is ever with me. I can feel,

Here, as I sit at midnight and alone,
Her gentle breathing! on my breast can feel

The pressure of her head! God's benison

Rest ever on it! Close those beauteous eyes,

Sweet Sleep! and all the flowers that bloom at night

With balmy lips breathe in her ears my name!

(Gradually sinks asleep.)

ACT II.

SCENE I. PRECIOSA's chamber. Morning. PRECIOSA and ANGELICA.

PRECIOSA.

WHY will you go so soon? Stay yet awhile.
The poor too often turn away unheard

From hearts that shut against them with a sound
That will be heard in heaven. Pray, tell me more
Of your adversities. Keep nothing from me.
What is your landlord's name?

ANGELICA.

The Count of Lara.

PRECIOSA.

The Count of Lara? O, beware that man!
Mistrust his pity,-hold no parley with him!

And rather die an outcast in the streets

Than touch his gold.

ANGELICA.

You know him, then!

PRECIOSA.

As much

As

any woman may, and yet be pure.

As you would keep your name without a blemish,
Beware of him!

ANGELICA.

Alas! what can I do?

I cannot choose my friends. Each word of kindness, Come whence it may, is welcome to the poor.

PRECIOSA.

Make me your friend. A girl so young and fair
Should have no friends but those of her own sex.

Was given you, that you might be an angel
To her who bore you! When your infant smile
Made her home Paradise, you were her angel.

O, be an angel still! she needs that smile.
So long as you are innocent, fear nothing.

No one can harm you! I am a poor girl,
Whom chance has taken from the public streets.

I have no other shield than mine own virtue.

That is the charm which has protected me!
Amid a thousand perils, I have worn it

Here on my heart! It is my guardian angel.

ANGELICA (rising).

I thank you for this counsel, dearest lady.

PRECIOSA.

Thank me by following it.

ANGELICA.

Indeed I will.

PRECIOSA.

Pray, do not go. I have much more to say.

ANGELICA.

My mother is alone. I dare not leave her.

PRECIOSA.

Some other time, then, when we meet again.
You must not go away with words alone.

(Gives her a purse.)

Take this. Would it were more.

ANGELICA.

I thank you, lady.

PRECIOSA.

No thanks. To-morrow come to me again.
I dance to-night,—perhaps for the last time.
But what I gain, I promise shall be yours,
If that can save you from the Count of Lara.

ANGELICA.

O, my dear lady! how shall I be grateful

For so much kindness?

PRECIOSA.

Farewell!

Remember that you come again to-morrow.

ANGELICA.

I will. And may the blessed Virgin guard you,

And all good angels.

PRECIOSA.

[Exit.

May they guard thee too,

And all the poor; for they have need of angels.
Now bring me, dear Dolores, my basquiña,
My richest maja dress,—my dancing dress,
And my most precious jewels! Make me look
Fairer than night e'er saw me! I've a prize
To win this day, worthy of Preciosa!

(Enter BELTRAN Cruzado.)

CRUZADO.

Ave Maria!

PRECIOSA.

O God! my evil genius!

What seekest thou here to-day?

CRUZADO.

Thyself, my child

PRECIOSA.

What is thy will with me?

CRUZADO.

Gold! gold!