Alh. These fell inquisitors! these sons of blood! As I came on, his face so madden'd me, That ever and anon I clutch'd my dagger And half unsheathed it Ter. Be more calm, I pray you. Alh. And as he walked along the narrow path Close by the mountain's edge, my soul grew eager; 'T was with hard toil I made myself remember That his Familiars held my babes and husband. To have leapt upon him with a tiger's plunge, And hurl'd him down the rugged precipice, O, it had been most sweet! Ter. Where is your woman's heart? Alh. Hush! hush for shame! O gentle lady! You have no skill to guess my many wrongs, tian, And Christians never pardon-'t is their faith! Ter. Shame fall on those who so have shown it to thee! Alh. I know that man: 't is well he knows not me. Five years ago (and he was the prime agent), Ter. What might your crime be? I was a Moresco ! Ath. Oh miserable! by that lamp to see My infant quarrelling with the coarse hard bread Alh. What was it then to suffer? 'Tis most right Ter. You were at length released? Alh. Yes, at length I saw the blessed arch of the whole heaven! "T was the first time my infant smiled. No moreFor if I dwell upon that moment, Lady, A trance comes on which makes me o'er again That you would start and shudder! Ter. But your husband— Alh. A month's imprisonment would kill him, Lady. Ter. Alas, poor man! Alh. He hath a lion's courage, Fearless in act, but feeble in endurance; Enter ALVAR disguised as a MORESCO, and in Moorish garments. Ter. Know you that stately Moor? I know him not: Alh. Who hides himself among the Alpuxarras. Ter. The Alpuxarras? Does he know his danger, So near this seat? Alh. He wears the Moorish robes too, As in defiance of the royal edict. [Alhadra advances to Alvar, who has walked to the back of the stage near the rocks. Teresa drops her veil. Alh. Gallant Moresco! An inquisitor, Monviedro, of known hatred to our race Alvar (interrupting her). You have mistaken me. I am a Christian. Alh. He deems, that we are plotting to ensnare him: Speak to him, Lady-none can hear you speak, And not believe you innocent of guile. Ter. If aught enforce you to concealment, Sir-▬▬▬▬ Alh. He trembles strangely. [Alvar sinks down and hides his face in his robe. See, we have disturb'd him. Ter. [Approaches nearer to him. I pray you think us friends-uncowl your face, For you seem faint, and the night breeze blows healing. I pray you think us friends! Alvar (raising his head). Calm, very calm! "T is all too tranquil for reality! And she spoke to me with her innocent voice, That voice, that innocent voice! She is no traitress! Ter. Let us retire. (Haughtily to Alhadra). [They advance to the front of the Stage. Alhadra (with scorn). He is indeed a Christian. Alvar (aside). She deems me dead. vet wears no mourning garment! Why should my brother's-wife-wear mourning garments? [To Teresa. Your pardon, noble dame! that I disturb'd you: Ter. Dreams tell but of the Past, and yet, 't is said, They prophecy Alv. The Past lives o'er again In its effects, and to the guilty spirit The ever-frowning Present is its image. What sudden spell o'ermasters me? Why seeks he me, shunning the Moorish woman? [Teresa looks round uneasily, but gradually becomes attentive as Alvar proceeds in the next speech. Alv. I dreamt I had a friend, on whom I leant Whom I was wont to call not mine, but me: Alh. You are lost in thought: hear him no more, Ter. From morn to night I am myself a dreamer, And slight things bring on me the idle mood! Alv. On a rude rock, The second flash of lightning show'd a tree As the gored lion's bite! Ter. (shuddering). A fearful curse! Alh. (fiercely). But dreamt you not that you return'd and kill'd them? Dreamt you of no revenge? Alv. (his voice trembling, and in tones of deep distress). She would have died, Died in her guilt-perchance by her own hands! pray'd for the punishment that cleanseth hearts : For still ì loved her! Alh. And you dreamit a this? |