It is the custom of your countrymen to pay this attention to young girls, and you would not omit this opportunity were it not for the advice of a man of experience.

Geronimo, listen to the words of calm reason: do not rashly expose yourself to the danger of death; abandon your design this time.
Many of your compatriots have aspired to Mary's hand; they have been less successful than you, and on this account they may harbor unkind feelings towards you." The young man received this advice with a smile which indicated its refusal.
"It is difficult, sir, to speak of such things in the presence of the one who is to be the object of our homage.

Permit me, however, the liberty to decide upon the manner in which I will acquit myself of my duty to this young lady." "But permit me, signor, to tell you," said the old man, in an offended tone, "that it does you no honor to reject the advice of a man of experience, in order to carry out an unimportant fancy.

Rashness does not indicate courage, but rather an absence of good sense." "Father," exclaimed Mary, in a supplicating tone, "be not angry with Signor Geronimo; he will incur no danger." "Foolish confidence!" said the old man.

"Why should Geronimo think himself less exposed to danger than others?
That Geronimo should be rash is excusable; but, Mary, you deserve a severe reprimand for encouraging your friend in his perilous design." The young girl bowed her head at this reproof of her father, and murmured as if to excuse herself: "Geronimo has a relic, father." This revelation embarrassed the young man, and he glanced reproachfully at Mary.
She said, caressingly: "Don't be displeased, Geronimo; show the relic to my father, and he will then know why you do not fear that any accident will happen to you." The young man felt that he could not refuse Mary's request.