Page:The poems of Emma Lazarus volume 1.djvu/264

250 Enter on one side ANNICCA and DON TOMMASO, attired for the ball; on the other side, RLBEKA. 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 ? I who have robbed you of one gem, need scarce Re-word, sir, how I prize it.

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.