University of Virginia Library

Scene II.

—The Tent of the Regent Adrian pitched on the eminence of the first Scene of the Second Act.—Storm raging.
The Regent and Gonsalvo.
ADRIAN.
The elements fight for us, but is it certain
That they will conquer? If the battle hangs
In doubt, I'll not be absent from the field,
But brave the tempest.

GONSALVO.
Be assured, Lord Cardinal,
Of such a victory as shall quench for ever
The smouldering embers of revolt: the veterans,
Struck by the loss of the distracted Queen,
Whose presence gilded treason, deem the storm,
That dash'd against them at their onset, wing'd
By Heaven to scourge rebellion, and forsake
The accursed banners to accept the pardon
Your mercy offers; while Toledo's craftsmen,
Though stout of heart, unused to war, will falter,
Confused by double terrors.

ADRIAN.
Yet I'll go forth—
The storm subsides.

GONSALVO.
Here's one whose news may solve
All doubts.

Enter Soldier.
GONSALVO.
How stands the battle?

SOLDIER.
'Tis a flight—
When the storm burst in fury from the heights
And our ranks swept down with it, panic seized
Padilla's choicest soldiers, and they fled
Or cried for quarter, while the heroic craftsmen
Struggling with desperate valour at his call
To flank us towards the mountain, in the marsh
That stretches eastward at the Tagus side,
Sinking knee-deep, were captured, or endured
Our swords unflinching.

ADRIAN.
Do you bring me news
Of the arch-rebel, in whose death alone
This treason will expire?

SOLDIER.
No—but the offer
Of pardon his betrayer may assure
For many traitors, with great largess, scatter'd
By spies among the quailing troops, must bring
Padilla to your judgment.

ADRIAN.
Judgment is pass'd—
That he, and chiefs who fought with him, shall die
Within an hour of capture. Let the block
Be planted on the loftiest rock that stands
Direct before Toledo, that their deaths
May freeze the hearts they snared.
[Trumpets without.
Those sounds proclaim
Our victory complete; their blood shall seal it.

[Exeunt.