 | Montezuma |  |
SCENE V.
Cyderia enters.Cyder.
Cortez!—and at the feet of proud Almeria!—
Traitor, false Spaniard!
Cort.
Fly, thou lovely maid!
Haste from this hostile ground—thy life's in danger,
Thy precious life!—back to thy father's arms,
From death, and from Almeria!—
Cyder.
Yes, I see,
My coming was not in the season, Cortez.
Faithless and base—apostate, as thou art,
To love and honour!—did I not behold thee,
Breathing thy vows upon the plighted hand
Of my triumphant rival?
Cort.
O, I am true—
Trust me Cyderia, I do love thee more
Than cowards love their life.—Away, thou dear one!
So thou art safe, suspicion matters not—
Time will unfold my truth.
Alm.
Can I bear this?
324
Yes, Spaniard, I will leave thee to the ties
Of thy new trothment—vowing, from this moment,
Never to hear thee, but with ears of hatred;
Never to see thee, but with eyes of horror!
Falsest and most perfidious of mankind,
Adieu for ever!
[Going.
Cort.
O, my distracted heart!—Yet stay, Cyderia!—
Cruel Almeria, thou couldst witness for me,
My truth, my faith inviolate!
Alm.
Yes, princess!—
When thou didst see thy Cortez at my feet,
He was a suppliant for Cyderia's life.—
Vain was his suit—as vain as mine for love!
And thus I answer to his scorn—
[Draws the dagger suddenly, and rushes on Cyderia, Cortez catches her hand and disarms her.
Cyder.
Ah, she will kill me!
Cort.
Hold thee—tyger-hearted,
Bloody Almeria!—Fly this fury, love,
Haste to the shelter of thy father's arms!
He comes—I can no more—Adieu!—
[Exit Cortez.
Alm.
Princess, another day must end our strife—
Decisive of no less than love and life!
[Exit.
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