You can call up past deeds, and make them liva Hark! heard you not some footsteps? Alv. What if it were my brother coming onwards! I sent a most mysterious message to him. Enter ORDONIO. Alv. (starting) It is he! Ordonio (to himself, as he enters). If I distin guish'd right her gait and stature, It was the Moorish woman, Isidore's wife, You know my name, I guess, if not my person. Alv. (with deep emotion). The Son of Valdez! He loved the old man, and revered his art: To be his pupil, and with filial zeal Beguiled the hours of his captivity. Alh. And then he framed this picture? and unaided By arts unlawful, spell, or talisman! Alv. A potent spell, a mighty talisman! The imperishable memory of the deed Sustain'd by love, and grief, and indignation! So vivid were the forms within his brain, His very eyes, when shut, made pictures of them! Zulimez (to Alvar). Why, what ails you now? How your hand trembles! Alvar, speak! what wish you? Alv. To fall upon his neck and weep forgiveness! Ord. (returning, and aloud). Pluck'd in the moonlight from a ruined abbey Those only, which the pale rays visited? O the unintelligible power of weeds, When a few odd prayers have been mutter'd o'er them. Then they work miracles! I warrant you, There's not a leaf, but underneath it lurks Some serviceable imp. There's one of you I am he. Hath sent me a strange message. Alv. Ord. With you, then, I am to speak: And, mark you, alone. [Haughtily waving his hand to Zulimez. [Exit Zulimez. "He that can bring the dead to life again !”— Such was your message, Sir! You are no dullard, But one that strips the outward rind of things! Alv. 'Tis fabled there are fruits with tempting rinds, That are all dust and rottenness within. Wouldst thou I should strip such? Ord. Thou quibbling fool, What dost thou mean? Think'st thou I journey'd hither To sport with thee? Alv. O no my Lord! to sport Best suits the gaiety of innocence. Ord. (aside). O what a thing is man! the wisest heart A Fool! a Fool that laughs at its own folly, Yet still a fool! [Looks round the Cottage. You are poor! Alv. What follows thence? Ord. That you would fain be richer. The Inquisition, too-You comprehend me? That you should serve me-once-for a few hours. Alv. (solemnly). Thou art the son of Valdez ! would to Heaven That I could truly and for ever serve thee. Ord. The slave begins to soften. You are my friend, [Aside. "He that can bring the dead to life again." Nay, no defence to me! The holy brethren Believe these calumnies-I know thee better. (Then with great bitterness). Thou art a man, and as a man I'll trust thee! Alv. (aside). your Alas! this hollow mirth-Declare business. Ord. I love a lady, and she would love me, But for an idle and fantastic scruple. Have you no servants here, no listeners? [Ordonio steps to the door. Alv. What, faithless too? False to his angel wife? To such a wife? Well mightst thou look so wan, Ill-starr'd Teresa !-Wretch! my softer soul Is pass'd away, and I will probe his conscience! Ord. In truth this lady loved another man, But he has perish'd. Alv. What! you kill'd him! hey? Ord. I'll dash thee to the earth, if thou but think's it? Insolent slave! how daredst thou (Turns abruptly from Alvar, and then to himself.) Why! what's this! "T was idiocy! I'll tie myself to an aspen, And wear a fool's cap Alvar. (watching his agitation). Fare thee we I pity the, Ordonio, even to anguish. [Alvar is retiring. [Calling to Alvar. Ordonio (having "ecovered himself). Ho! Alv. Be brief: what wish you? Ord. You are deep at bartering-You charge yourself At a round sum. Come, come, I spake unwisely. Alv. I listen to you. Ord. In a sudden tempest, Did Alvar perish-he, I mean—the lover- Alv. Nay, speak out! 't will ease your heart To call him villain !-Why stand'st thou aghast? Men think it natural to hate their rivals. Ord. (hesitating). Now, till she knows him dead, she will not wed me. Alv. (with eager vehemence). Are you not wedded then? Merciful Heaven! Not wedded to Teresa? Ord. Why, what ails thee? What, art thou mad? why look'st thou upward so? Dost pray to Lucifer, Prince of the Air? Alv. (recollecting himself). Proceed, I shall be silent, [Alvar sits, and leaning on the table, hides his face To Teresa? Ord. Politic wizard! ere you sent that message, You had conn'd your lesson, made yourself proficient Alv. (lifting up his head). Well! and this lady? Alv. (sighing). Yes! he did so ! Ord. Why no! he was afraid of accidents, Till his return. Alv. What! he was your friend, then! Ord. (wounded and embarrassed). I was his friend.— Now that he gave it me This lady knows not. You are a mighty wizard- Alv. (after a pause). Ordonio, I will do it. Ord. We'll hazard no delay. Be it to-night, Alv. I will not fail to meet you. Ord. Till next we meet, farewell! Exit Ordonio. Alv. (alone, indignantly flings the purse away, and gazes passionately at the portrait). And I did curse thee? At midnight? on my knees? and I believed Thee perjured, thee a traitress! Thee dishonoured? O blind and credulous fool! O guilt of folly! Should not thy inarticulate Fondness, Thy Infant Loves-should not thy Maiden Vows Have come upon thy heart? And this sweet Image, |