Oh, what a thought! [Clasping her forehead Val. A thought? even so! mere thought! an empty thought. The very week he promised his return Ter. (abruptly). Was it not then a busy joy to see him After those three years' travels? we had no fears- Yes, I am old-I have no pleasant fancies- Ter. (with great tenderness) My father! Val. The sober truth is all too much for me! I see no sail which brings not to my mind The home-bound bark in which my son was captured By the Algerine—to perish with his captors! Ter. Oh no! he did not! Val. From yon hill point, nay, from our castle watch-tower Captured in sight of land! His capture, not his death. We might have seen―― Ter. Val. Alas! how aptly thou forgett❜st a tale In the same storm that baffled his own valor, Wouldst thou best prove thy faith to generous Aivar, And most delight his spirit, go, make thou His brother happy, make his aged father Ter. For mercy's sake, Press me no more! I have no power to love him. Closes beneath his touch. Val. You wrong him, maiden! You wrong him, by my soul! Nor was it well The stir and workings of that love for you Which he has toil'd to smother. 'Twas not well, His wounds and perilous voyages, and how, He roam'd the coast of Afric for your Alvar. It was not well-You have moved me even to tears. Ter. Oh pardon me, Lord Valdez! pardon me! It was a foolish and ungrateful speech, A most ungrateful speech! But I am hurried Who aims to rival Alvar. Were we not Born in one day, like twins of the same parent? Yet still the hope survives— Val. (looking forward). Hush! 't is Monviedro. Ter. The Inquisitor! on what new scent of blood? Enter MONVIEDRO with ALHADRA. Monviedro (having first made his obeisance to Peace and the truth be with you! Good my Lord, [Looking forward. We have hit the time. Here comes he! Yes, 't is he Enter from the opposite side Don Ordonio. My Lord Ordonio, this Moresco woman (Alhadra is her name) asks audience of you. Ord. Hail, reverend father! what may be the business? Monv. My Lord, on strong suspicion of relapse To his false creed, so recently abjured. The secret servants of the Inquisition Have seized her husband, and at my command Nor less the wish to prove, with what high honour Ord. Reverend father, I am much beholden to your high opinion, [Then to Alhadra. I would that I could serve you; but in truth Your face is new to me. Monv. My mind foretold me, That such would be the event. In truth, Lord Valdez, "T was little probable, that Don Ordonio, That your illustrious son, who fought so bravely Should prove the patron of this infidel! The guarantee of a Moresco's faith! Alh. My Lord, my husband's name Is Isidore. (Ordonio starts.)—Y ›u may remember it · Three years ago, three years this very week, You left him at Almeria. Monv. Palpably false ! This very week, three years ago, my Lord [Teresa looks at Monviedro with disgust and horror. Ordonio's appearance to be collected from what follows. Monviedro (to Valdez, and pointing at Ordonig). What is he ill, my Lord? how strange he looks! Val. (angrily). You press'd upon him too abruptly, father, The fate of one, on whom, you know, he doted. Ordonio (starting as in sudden agitation). O Heavens? I? I-doted? (then recovering himself). Yes! I doted on him. [Ordonio walks to the end of the stage, Valdez follows, soothing him. Teresa (her eye following Ordonio). I do not, can not, love him. Is my heart hard? Is my heart hard? that even now the thought Monv. The drops did start and stand upon his forehead! I will return. In very truth, I grieve To have been the occasion. Ho! attend me, woman! Alhadra (to Teresa). O gentle lady! make the father stay Until my Lord recover. I am sure That he will say he is my husband's friend. Ter. Stay, father! stay! my Lord will soon recover. Ordonio (as they return, to Valdez). Strange, that this Monviedro Should have the power so to distemper me! Ord. Tut! name it not. A sudden seizure, father! think not of it, As to this woman's husband, I do know him. Monv. I hope, my Lord, your merely human pity Doth not prevail Ord. 'T is certain that he was a Catholic; What changes may have happen'd in three years Monv. Your zeal, my Lord, Ord. I will attend you home within an hour. ment. Alh. Not till my husband's free! I may not do it. I will stay here. Ter. (aside). Val. Who is this Isidore? Daughter! Ter. With your permission, my dear Lord, I'll loiter yet awhile t' enjoy the sea breeze. [Exeunt Valdez, Monviedro, and Ordonio. Alh. Hah! there he goes! a bitter curse go with him, A scathing curse! (Then as if recollecting herself, and with a timid look). You hate him, don't you, lady ! Teresa (perceiving that Alhadra is conscious she has spoken imprudently). Oh fear not me! my heart is sad for you. |