University of Virginia Library

SCENE SECOND.

DONNA ISABELLA, DONNA LEONORA, DONNA ELVIRA.
D. ISABELLA.
Let me not interrupt, but share your converse
If it regard your Son; what have you learn'd?

D. LEONORA.
No more enlighten'd are we than yourself;
But wait, with doubtful wonder and impatience,
To have this fateful mystery unravell'd.

D. ISABELLA.
But from whom comes the news of Garcia's death,
And this report, so widely spread, so eagerly
Receiv'd, that your Son lives? The different couriers,
Who for this month arrive, come but with Treaties,
From Arragon revolted in your favour;
Its Deputies by your appointment come,
This Day, to swear Allegiance to their Queen:
But of Don Sancho's life, or Garcia's death,
Why has the information been delay'd?

D. LEONORA.
Nor my Son's life, nor Garcia's death, were known,
Till Raymond join'd, last night, the Deputies.
When first from Saragossa they departed;
Our party were besieging, in their last fortress,
The traitor Garcia, and his rebel Son;
They being slain, the garrison surrender'd:
And Raymond, who was prisoner there, set free.
He instantly proclaim'd that their Prince liv'd;
And he set out, with speed, to seek Don Sancho;
Thinking, with him, to o'ertake the Deputies,
Who, of his Life, or Garcia's death, were ignorant.
Last night he join'd them, after their Messengers
To me had been dispatch'd: and he inform'd them,
That their young Prince resides, here, in your Court.
All anxious as I am, no more I know.
I have not yet seen Raymond, so intent
Is he in searching for my Son throughout
Your hosts. But here, each moment, I expect him.

D. ISABELLA
(going).
I hope he comes to bring you certain tidings.—
Fearing to interrupt, I leave you, Madam!

D. LEONORA.
Remain! For this report concerns us equally.
If my Son live, a Monarch claims your hand;
And heaven rewards you for your Fathers virtues.
That Crown he strove to gain for my Elvira,
Shall by his Child be worn. Thus, whilst he toil'd
For others good, he aggrandiz'd his Race.

D. ELVIRA.
My Friend! henceforth my Sister, and my Queen,
Heaven has decreed my Diadem to you:
Reign with my Brother! and be happy long.