loathingly consent To wed a vicious dotard for his gold.      [Rising. 401Time wanes, and with my part I must go through; Then, as to the rest, let heaven think on't. I know not if I meditate aright; Nay, I know I am wrong, but I've no choice. Hola! Rodriguez!—Rodriguez, I say!

D. Sil.

394

395

396

397

398

399

400

[Kneeling.

[Rising.

401

Enter Rodriguez.

Rodriguez

How now, Rodriguez, did'st not hear me call? Rod. Indeed, my lord, I came as soon as I Did hear you, but it may be that of late I have grown a little hard of hearing; Rodriguez now is getting old. How many Years is it I have served your lordship here? D. Sil. Cease thy prating tongue, and now lend thine ear. Rod. I'm all attention, good my lord, proceed. D. Sil. Well then, here is a letter I have written To thy young mistress, bidding her return With fullest speed to the paternal roof. Rod. What! my young mistress Inez coming home After full five years' stay within the walls, The gloomy walls, of grim St. Ursula! Poor soul! she'll scarce remember old Rodriguez. How I long to see her! How she'll have grown. Time will have wrought great changes. But a child She was when first she left her father's hall, And now returns a woman. Pretty dear! Shall I ever forget how she did cry 402At leaving me? For you must know, Señor, That ever with a mother's tender care I've cherished her as were she child of mine, And she, sweet soul, ne'er having known her mother, Looked for no other mother than myself. And mother she would call me when a babe, Until she grew 

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