My cousin, sir, is hard of credence; and
Aping a brother's privilege, doubts
A simple wayward woman's nay.
Andrés offers to retire, but Old Capelete, whose suspicions are
aroused, insists upon an immediate search being made. Julia
naturally becomes alarmed, and the Gracioso is discovered; being
closely interrogated, but aided by Esperanza, Julia's maid, he rescues
Julia by assuring Old Capelete that he has been sent by a builder to
replace some loose tiles upon the roof, and so escapes. Andrés,
supported by Old Capelete, presses his suit, which Julia respectfully declines, 'spite her father's frowns, and begs Andrés, with
dignity, to quit her presence. He does so, when Count Paris
enters, craving the aid of Old Capelete for some discreet yet
prompt act of vengeance against Romeo, his (Count Paris's) wife,
and the Montescos generally. Romeo and Elena of course overhear the whole conversation, Count Paris delivering a somewhat
tedious and elaborate speech, opening thus—
Most noble and illustrious Capelete,
To whose grey hairs and well-approved steel
Our legions owe their triumphs, and our council
Its strength and its experience.
The Count proceeds to declare how much, hating his wife, he
loves sweet Julia; Old Capelete naturally presses for the reason
of this hatred towards his wife, to which the Count replies—
