Re-enter Cora.

Cora. Will you embrace this man before he restores my boy?

Alon. Alas, my friend! in what a moment of misery do we meet!

Cora. Yes, his look is goodness and humanity. Good old man, have compassion on a wretched mother, and I will be your servant while I live. But do not—for pity sake, do not say you have him not; do not say you have not seen him.

[Runs into the wood.

Las-Cas. What can this mean?

Alon. She is my wife. Just rescued from the Spaniard’s prison, I learned she had fled to this wild forest. Hearing my voice, she left the child, and flew to meet me: he was left sleeping under yonder tree.

Re-enter Cora.

Las-Cas. How! did you leave him?

Cora. Oh! you are right! right! unnatural mother that I was! I left my child, I forsook my innocent! But I will fly to the earth’s brink, but I will find him.

[Runs out.

Alon. Forgive me, Las-Casas, I must follow her; for at night I attempt brave Rolla’s rescue.

Las-Cas. I will not leave thee, Alonzo. You must try to lead her to the right: that way lies your camp. Wait not my infirm steps: I follow thee, my friend.

[Exeunt.

Scene II.—The Outpost of the Spanish Camp. In the background a torrent, over which a bridge is formed by a felled tree. Trumpets sound without.

Enter Almagro, followed by Soldiers, leading Rolla in chains.

Alm. Bear him along; his story must be false.

Rol. False! Rolla utter falsehood! I would I had thee in a desert with thy troop around thee, and I but with my sword in this unshackled hand!

[Trumpets without.

Alm. Is it to be credited, that Rolla, the renowned Peruvian hero, should be detected, like a spy, skulking through our camp!

Rol. Skulking!

Alm. But answer to the general; he is here.

Enter Pizarro.

Piz. What do I see? Rolla!

Rol. Oh, to thy surprise, no doubt!