If in a most assured reality He should return, and see a brother's infant Smile at him from arms ? my Oh what a thought! VALDEZ. [Clasping her forehead. A thought? even so! mere thought! an empty The thought. very week he promised his return TERESA. (abruptly.) Was it not then a busy joy? to see him, After those three years travels! we had no fears— The frequent tidings, the ne'er failing letter, Almost endeared his absence! Yet the gladness, The tumult of our joy! What then if now VALDEZ. O power of youth to feed on pleasant thoughts, TERESA. (with great tenderness.) VALDEZ. My father! The sober truth is all too much for me! my I see no sail which brings not to mind captured Alas! how aptly thou forget'st a tale Thou ne'er didst wish to learn! my brave Ordonio In the same storm that baffled his own valour, And thus twice snatched a brother from his hopes: Gallant Ordonio! (pauses, then tenderly) O beloved Teresa, Would'st thou best prove thy faith to generous Alvar, His brother happy, make his aged father TERESA. For mercy's sake Press me no more! I have no power to love him. Chill me like dew damps of the unwholesome night: Closes beneath his touch. VALDEZ. You wrong him, maiden ! You wrong him, by my soul! Nor was it well The stir and workings of that love for you His wounds and perilous voyages, and how With an heroic fearlessness of danger He roam'd the coast of Afric for your Alvar. It was not well-You have moved me even to tears. TERESA. Oh pardon me, Lord Valdez! pardon me! Who aims to rival Alvar. Were we not Yet still the hope survives VALDEZ. (looking forward.) Hush! 'tis Monviedro. TERESA. 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, We have hit the time. [Looking forward. Here comes he! Yes, 'tis he. Enter from the opposite side DON ORDONIO. My Lord Ordonio, this Moresco woman (Alhadra is her name) asks audience of you. Hail, reverend father! what may be the business? My lord, on strong suspicion of relapse Have seized her husband, and at my command Nor less the wish to prove, with what high honour ORDONIO. 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. MONVIEDRO. My mind foretold me, That such would be the event. In truth, Lord Valdez, 'Twas little probable, that Don Ordonio, That your illustrious son, who fought so bravely The guarantee of a Moresco's faith! Now I return. ALHADRA. My Lord, my husband's name Is Isidore. (ORDON 10 starts.)—You may remember it: 'hree years ago, three years this very week, You left him at Almeria. MONVIEDRO. Palpably false ! This very week, three years ago, my lord, |