University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Outskirt of Cortez's Camp.
Enter Gonsalvo.
GONSALVO.
Yonder's our camp—now am I safe again.
Propitious heav'n, which through surrounding perils
Hast guarded and supported me, receive
The tribute of my thanks!—But soft—who comes?—
A woman? And alone?—Her garb bespeaks her
Of no mean quality—she seems disturb'd.

[He stands aside.
Enter Zelama, veiled.
ZELAMA.
Oh why, when urg'd by duty and by love
Thus far have I advanc'd, does my heart shrink,
And all my boasted resolution vanish?
I deem'd myself more able to support
The hazards of my enterprize—Defend me,
Ye heav'nly pow'rs! Who thus approaches me?

GONSALVO.
Maiden, why thus alone so near our camp
Hast thou adventur'd? Be not thus alarm'd.
Thou may'st confide in me. I will not harm thee.

ZELAMA.
Thou look'st as if—and yet thy words are friendly—
Art thou not one of those, who arm'd with terrors
Have landed 'mong us—

GONSALVO.
Lady, I am one,
Who, though to arms inur'd, have learn'd to rev'rence
Thy sex's claim; whose heart can feel it's pow'r,
And whose best zeal will guard it.

ZELAMA.
Courteous stranger,
I am not prone to doubt, and thy fair words
Might well disarm suspicion; yet report
Hath told such things—Thou surely art of those,
Whose bold aggression hath provok'd our fears.

GONSALVO.
Though here with those invaders I arriv'd,
My nature is not savage. Had it been so,
I had not merited the name of man,
If to the kindness of thy countrymen
I prov'd insensible. I was at his mercy,
And must have perish'd, had not the kind hand
Of a good Indian sav'd me from destruction.
Can I reflect on that, and injure thee?

ZELAMA.
I will confide in thee. I need protection,
And claim it from thee.

GONSALVO.
Freely speak thy pleasure,
And tax my utmost service. Let us hence,
Nor linger here. This precinct of a camp
Is not a place where thou may'st fitly stay.

ZELAMA.
I thank thee. Know'st thou where in yonder lines
Telasco's banners wave?—Conduct me to him.
Ask in return what recompense thou wil'st.

GONSALVO.
Far from my soul be such ignoble thought!
No, lady, no—the Indian who reliev'd me
Ask'd no return; his bounty, like the dew
Of gracious heav'n, spontaneously descended,
And rous'd my dormant virtue into action.
There lies our way. Be of good courage, lady;
Whate'er betide, I'll guard thee with my life.

[Exeunt.