mother, bearing a poor orphan in her arms, has nature’s passport through the world. Yes, yes, my son, we’ll go and seek thy father.

[Exit with the Child.

Rol. [After a pause of agitation.] Could I have merited one breath of thy reproaches, Cora, I should be the wretch I think I was not formed to be. Her safety must be my present purpose—then to convince her she has wronged me!

[Exit.

Scene III.—Pizarro’s Tent.

Pizarro discovered, traversing the scene in gloomy and furious agitation.

Piz. Well, capricious idol, Fortune, be my ruin thy work and boast. To myself I will still be true. Yet, ere I fall, grant me thy smile to prosper in one act of vengeance, and be that smile Alonzo’s death.

Enter Elvira.

Who’s there? who dares intrude? Why does my guard neglect their duty?

Elv. Your guard did what they could—but they knew their duty better than to enforce authority, when I refused obedience.

Piz. And what is it you desire?

Elv. To see how a hero bears misfortune. Thou, Pizarro, art not now collected—nor thyself.

Piz. Would’st thou I should rejoice that the spears of the enemy, led by accursed Alonzo, have pierced the bravest hearts of my followers?

Elv. No! I would have thee cold and dark as the night which follows the departed storm; still and sullen as the awful pause that precedes nature’s convulsion; yet I would have thee feel assured that a new morning shall arise, when the warrior’s spirit shall stalk forth—nor fear the future, nor lament the past.

Piz. Woman! Elvira!—why had not all my men hearts like thine?

Elv. Then would thy brows have this day worn the crown of Quito.

Piz. Oh! hope fails me while that scourge of my life and fame, Alonzo, leads the enemy.

Elv. Pizarro, I am come to probe the hero further: not now his courage, but his magnanimity—Alonzo is your prisoner.

Piz. How!

Elv. ’Tis certain; Valverde saw him even now dragged in chains within your camp. I chose to bring you the intelligence myself.

Piz. Bless thee, Elvira, for the news!—Alonzo in my power!—then I am the conqueror! the victory is mine!

Elv. Pizarro, this is savage and unmanly triumph. Believe me, you raise impatience in my mind to see the man whose valour and genius awe Pizarro; whose misfortunes are Pizarro’s triumph; whose bondage is Pizarro’s safety.