not, my Virginia; I regret Those vague emotions which are doubtless false[20] Deceiving dreams, sent me by Mercury, Who oft delights in filling mortal minds With gray forebodings, as thou art aware. Quick! Kiss me, child, and dry those silly tears. Lo! now methinks I hear thy father's step. Virg. (joyously). Father! mine own dear father!  (Voice of Virginius without.) Little one! No welcome at the door?

  [Seizes a mirror.

Come, view thyself.

[18]

[19]

If it were aught

[20]

[Virginia runs to the curtained doorway, through which her father enters, and flings her arms in tearful ecstasy around his neck.

Virginius. What! tears, dear heart? Virg. But smiles will clear them soon. I feared for thee— Most foolishly, yet ne'ertheless, I feared. Virginius. Most foolishly, indeed, my dark-haired Psyche, Thou pure-embodied soul, my spirit's light. Look up, dear child, and kiss thy father fond. He's wearied and he needs his heart's restorer.

[The two come forward, he in his shining armor, she nestling birdlike in the shelter of his arm.

My daughter, I have seen Icilius. Virg. Ah! Father! Virginius (mockingly). "Ah! Father!" Ay, I saw him. Me he held Firmly, besieging me with queries, all Concerning thee. How had Virginia fared While he was absent?—the presumptious boy! Couldst thou fare otherwise than well with me? And then with eager eyes he questioned as To thy remarks, thy thoughts concerning him,[21] Thy attitude to things in general. Where did Virginia spend her days? In school? Was she by chance affrighted at the state Of Rome since he had left her? Like unto A feverish flame, he reached on every side, Hungry for news of his Virginia. Virg. (dreamily). My Love! My Love! Mine own Icilius! Oh! gentle gods, my happiness exceeds My worth. But yet, amen! So let it be. [Exeunt.

[21]

Scene III—A Garden overgrown with Roses.

Scene III—A Garden overgrown with Roses.

Enter Virginia and Icilius. Twilight deepening into night.

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