RIBERA.
If it will calm thee,
I love thee and I trust thee. Thou art to me
My genius thou, the breathing image still
Of thy saint-mother, whom the angels guard.
Even as thou standest now, vested in white,
With glowing eyes and pale, unsmiling face,
I see her as she stood the day her heart
Went forth from home and kin to bless the stranger
Who craved her father’ s alms.
MARIA.
Thanks, thanks. Good-night.
God bless us through these wild, dark hours.
RIBERA.
Good-night.
SCENE II.
RIBERA S Garden. Half the sky illuminated by an over clouded moon, the rest obscured by an approaching storm. Occasional thunder and lightning. On one side of the stage a summer-house open to the audience, on the other side the exterior of the dwelling. DON JOHN discovered waiting near the house. The door opens, and enter MARIA.
DON JOHN (springing forward and embracing her).
At last! at last!
