University of Virginia Library

ACT III.

SCENE, Chamber Royal.
Enter Odmar and Alibech.
Odm.
The gods fair Alibech had so decreed,
Nor could my Valour against fate succeed;
Yet though our Army brought not Conquest home,
I did not from the Fight inglorious come:
If as a Victor you the brave regard,
Succesless Courage then may hope reward,
And I returning safe, may justly boast
To win the prize which my dead Brother lost.

Enter Guyomar behind him.
Guy.
No, no, thy Brother lives, and lives to be
A Witness, both against himself and thee;
Though both in safety are return'd agen,
I blush to ask her Love for vanquisht Men.

Odm.
Brother, I'le not dispute, but you are brave,
Yet I was free, and you it seems a Slave.

Guy.
Odmar, 'ti true, that I was Captive led
As publickly is known, as that you fled;
But of two shames if she must one partake,
I think the choice will not be hard to make.
Freedom and Bondage in her choice remains,
Dar'st thou expect she will put on thy Chains?

Guy.
No, no, fair Alibech, give him the Crown,
My Brother is return'd with high Renown.
He thinks by Flight his Mistress must be won,
And claims the prize because he best did run.

Alib.
Your Chains were glorious, and your Flight was wise,
But neither have o'recome your Enemies;
My secret wishes would my choice decide,
But open Justice bends to neither side.

Odm.
Justice already does my right approve,
If him who Loves you most, you most should Love.
My Brother poorly from your aid withdrew,
But I my Father left to succour you.

Guy.
Her Country she did to her self prefer,
Him who Fought best, not who Defended her;
Since she her interest for the Nations wav'd,
Then I who sav'd the King, the Nation sav'd;
You aiding her, your Country did betray,
I aiding him, did her commands obey.

Odm.
Name it no more, in Love, there is a time
When dull Obedience is the greatest Crime;
She to her Countries use resign'd your Sword,
And you kind Lover, took her at her word;
You did your Duty to your Love prefer,
Seek your reward from Duty, not from her.

Guy.
In acting what my Duty did require,
'Twas hard for me to quit my own desire,
That Fought for her, which when I did subdue,
'Twas much the easier task I left for you.

Alib.
Odmar a more then common Love has shown,
And Guyomar's was greater, or was none;
Which I should chuse some god direct my breast,
The certain good, or the uncertain best:
I cannot chuse, you both dispute in vain,
Time and your future Acts must make it plain;
First raise the Siege, and set your Country free,
I not the Judge, but the reward will be.

Enter Montezuma talking with Almeria and Orbellan.
Mont.
Madam, I think with reason I extol
The Vertue of the Spanish General;
When all the gods our Ruine have fore-told,
Yet generously he does his Arms with-hold,
And offering Peace, the first conditions make.

Alm.
When Peace is offer'd 'tis too late to take;
For one poor loss to stoop to terms like those,
Were we o'recome what could they worse impose?
Go, go, with homage your proud Victors meet,
Go lie like Dogs, beneath your Masters Feet.
Go and beget them Slaves to dig their Mines,
And groan for Gold which now in Temples shines;
Your shameful story shall record of me,
The Men all crouch'd, and left a Woman free.

Guy.
Had I not Fought, or durst not Fight again,
I my suspected Counsel should refrain:
For I wish Peace, and any terms prefer
Before the last extremities of War.
We but exasperate those we cannot harm,
And Fighting gains us but to dye more warm:
If that be Cowardise, which dares not see
The insolent effects of Victory;
The rape of Matrons, and their Childrens cries,
Then I am fearful, let the Brave advise.

Odm.
Keen cutting Swords, and Engines killing far,
Have prosperously begun a doubtful War;
But now our Foes with less advantage Fight,
Their strength decreases with our Indians Fright.

Mont.
This Noble Vote does with my wish comply,
I am for War.

Alm.
—And so am I.

Orb.
—And I.

Mont.
Then send to break the truce, and I'le take care
To chear the Souldiers, and for Fight prepare.

Exeunt Mont. Odm. Guy. Alib.
Alm.
'Tis now the hour which all to rest allow,
And Sleep sits heavy upon every brow;
In this dark silence softly leave the Town,
Guyomar returns and hears them.
And to the Generals Tent, 'tis quickly known,
Direct your steps: you may dispatch him strait,
Drown'd in his Sleep, and easie for his Fate:
Besides the truce will make the Guards more slack.

Orb.
Courage which leads me on, will bring me back:
But I more fear the baseness of the thing,
Remorse, you know, bears a perpetual sting.

Alm.
For mean remorse no room the Valiant finds,
Repentance is the Vertue of weak minds;
For want of judgement, keeps them doubtful still,
They may repent of good who can of ill;
But daring Courage makes ill actions good,
'Tis foolish pity spares a Rivals Blood;
You shall about it streight.—

Exeunt Alm. Orb.
Guy.
—Would they betray
His sleeping Vertue, by so mean a way!
And yet this Spaniard is our Nations Foe,
I wish him dead—but cannot wish it so;
Either my Country never must be freed,
Or I consenting to so black a deed.
Would Chance had never led my steps this way,
Now if he dyes I Murther him, not they;
Something must be resolv'd e're 'tis too late,
He gave me freedom, I'le prevent his Fate.
Exit Guyomar.

SCENE II.

A Camp.
Enter Cortez alone in a Night-gown.
Cort.
All things are hush'd, as Natures self lay dead,
The Mountains seem to nod their drowsie head;
The little Birds in dreams their Songs repeat,
And sleeping Flowers, beneath the night-dew sweat;
Ev'n Lust and Envy sleep, yet Love denies
Rest to my Soul, and slumber to my Eyes.
Three days I promis'd to attend my Doom,
And two long days and nights are yet to come.
'Tis sure the noyse of some Tumultuous Fight,
Noyse within.
They break the truce, and sally out by Night.

Enter Orbellan flying in the dark his Sword drawn.
Orb.
Betray'd! pursu'd! Oh whither shall I flye?
See, see, the just reward of Treachery;
I'm sure among the Tents, but know not where,
Even night wants darkness to secure my fear.

Comes near Cortez who hears him.
Cort.
Stand, who goes there?

Orb.
—Alas, what shall I say!
Aside.
A poor Taxallan that mistook his way,
To him.
And wanders in the terrours of the night.

Cort.
Souldier thou seem'st afraid, whence comes thy flight?

Orb.
The insolence of Spaniards caus'd my fear,
Who in the dark pursu'd me entring here.

Cort.
Their Crimes shall meet immediate punishment,
But stay thou safe within the Generals Tent.

Orb.
Still worse and worse.

Cort.
—Fear not but follow me,
Upon my Life I'le let thee safe and free.

Cortez Leads him in, and returns.
To him Vasquez, Pizarro and Spaniards with Torohes.
Vasq.
O Sir, thank Heaven, and your brave Indian Friend
That you are safe, Orbellan did intend
This night to kill you sleeping in your Tent,
But Guyomar, his trusty Slave has sent,
Who following close his silent steps by night
Till in our Camp they both approach'd the light,
Cryed seize the Traytor, seize the Murtherer,
The cruel Villain fled I know not where,
But far he is not, for he this way bent.

Piz.
Th'inraged Souldiers seek, from Tent to Tent,
With lighted Torches, and in Love to you,
With bloody Vows his hated life pursue.

Vasq.
This Messenger does since he came relate,
That the old King, after a long debate;
By his imperious Mistress blindly led,
Has given Cydaria to Orbellan's Bed.

Cort.
Vasquez, the trusty Slave with you retain,
Retire a while, I'le call you back again.

Exeunt Vasquez, Pizarro.
Cortez at his Tent Door.
Cort.
Indian come forth, your Enemies are gone,
And I who sav'd you from them, here alone;
You hide your Face, as you were still afraid,
Dare you not look on him that gave you aid?

Enter Orbellan holding his Face aside.
Orb.
Moon slip behind some Cloud, some Tempest rise
And blow out all the Stars that light the Skies,
To shrowd my shame.

Cort.
—In vain you turn aside,
And hide your Face, your Name you cannot hide;
I know my Rival and his black design.

Orb.
Forgive it as my passions fault, not mine.

Cort.
In your excuse your Love does little say,
You might how e're have took a fairer way.

Orb.
'Tis true my passion small defence can make,
Yet you must spare me for your Honours sake;
That was engag'd to set me safe and free.

Cort.
'Twas to a Stranger, not an Enemy:
Nor is it prudence to prolong thy breath,
When all my hopes depend upon thy death—
—Yet none shall tax me with base perjury,
Something I'le do, both for my self and thee;
With vow'd revenge my Souldiers search each Tent,
If thou art seen none can thy death prevent;
Follow my steps with silence and with haste.

They go out, the Scene changes to the Indian Countrey, they return.
Cort.
Now you are safe, you have my out-guards past.

Orb.
Then here I take my leave.

Cort.
—Orbellan, no,
When you return you to Cydaria go,
I'le send a Message.

Orb.
—Let it be exprest,
I am in haste.

Cort.
—I'le write it in your Breast.—

Draws.
Orb.
What means my Rival?

Cort.
—Either Fight or Dye,
I'le not strain Honour to a point too high;
I sav'd your Life, now keep it if you can,
Cydaria shall be for the bravest Man;
On equal terms you shall your Fortune try,
Take this and lay your flint-edg'd weapon by;
I'le arm you for my Glory, and pursue
Gives him a Sword.
No Palm, but what's to manly Vertue due.
Fame with my Conquest, shall my Courage tell,
This you shall gain by placing Love so well.

Orb.
Fighting with you ungrateful I appear.

Cort.
Under that shadow thou wouldst hide thy fear:
Thou wouldst possess thy Love at thy return,
And in her Arms my easie Vertue scorn.

Orb.
Since we must Fight, no longer let's delay,
The Moon shines clear, and makes a paler day.

They Fight, Orbellan is wounded in the Hand, his Sword falls out of it.
Cort.
To Courage, even of Foes, there's pity due,
It was not I, but Fortune vanquish'd you;
Thank me with that, and so dispute the prize,
Throws his Sword again.
As if you Fought before Cydarias eyes.

Orb.
I would not poorly such a gift requite,
You gave me not this Sword to yield, but Fight;
But see where yours has forc'd its bloody way,
My wounded Hand my Heart does ill obey.

He strives to hold it, but cannot.
Cort.
Unlucky Honour that controul'st my will!
Why have I vanquish'd, since I must not Kill?
Fate sees thy Life lodg'd in a brittle Glass,
And looks it through, but to it cannot pass.

Orb.
All I can do is frankly to confess,
I wish I could, but cannot love her less;
To swear I would resign her were but vain,
Love would recal that perjur'd breath again;
And in my wretched case 'twill be more just
Not to have promis'd, then deceive your trust.
Know, if I Live once more to see the Town,
In bright Cydaria's Arms my Love i'le crown.

Cort.
In spight of that I give thee Liberty,
And with thy person leave thy Honour free;
But to thy wishes move a speedy pace,
Or Death will soon o'retake thee in the Chace.
To Arms, to Arms, Fate shows my Love the way,
I'le force the City on thy Nuptial day.

Exeunt severally

SCENE III.

Mexico.
Enter Montezuma, Odmar, Guyomar, Almeria.
Mont.
It moves my wonder that in two days space,
This early Famine spreads so swift a pace.

Odm.
'Tis, Sir, the general cry, nor seems it strange,
The face of plenty should so swiftly change;
This City never felt a Siege before,
But from the Lake receiv'd its daily store,
Which now shut up, and Millions crowded here,
Famine will soon in multitudes appear.

Mont.
The more the number still the greater shame.

Alm.
What if some one should seek immortal Fame
By ending of the Siege at one brave blow?

Mont.
That were too happy!

Alm.
—yet it may be so,
What if the Spanish General should be slain?

Guy.
Just Heaven I hope does other-ways ordain,

[Aside.
Mont.
If slain by Treason I lament his death.

Enter Orbellan and whispers his Sister.
Odm.
Orbellan seems in hast and out of breath.

Mont.
Orbellan welcome, you are early hear,
A Bridegrooms hast does in your looks appear.

Almeria Aside to her Brother.
Alm.
Betray'd! no, 'twas thy Cowardise, and Fear,
He had not 'scap'd with Life had I been there;
But since so ill you act a brave design,
Keep close your shame, Fate make the next turn mine.

Enter Alibech, Cydaria.
Alib.
O Sir, if ever pity touch'd your breast,
Let it be now to your own blood exprest:
In teares your beauteous Daughter drowns her sight,
Silent as dews that fall in dead of night.

Cyd.
To your commands I strict obedience owe,
And my last Act of it I come to show;
I want the Heart to dye before your Eyes,
But Grief will finish that which Fear denies.

Alm.
Your will should by your Fathers precept move.

Cyd.
When he was young he taught me truth in Love.

Alm.
He found more Love then he deserv'd, 'tis true,
And that it seems, is lucky too to you;
Your Fathers Folly took a head-strong course,
But I'le rule yours, and teach you Love by force.
Enter Messenger.
Arm, Arm, O King, the Enemy comes on,
A sharp assault already is begun;
Their Murdering Guns play fiercely on the Walls.

Odm.
Now Rival, let us run where Honour calls,

Guy.
I have discharg'd what gratitude did owe,
And the brave Spaniard is again my Foe.

[Exeunt Odmar and Guyomar.
Mont.
Our walls are high, and multitudes defend
Their vain attempt must in their ruine end;
The Nuptials with my presence shall be grac'd.

Alib.
At least but stay 'till the assault be past.

Alm.
Sister, in vain you urge him to delay,
The King has promis'd, and he shall obey.
Enter Second Messenger.
From several parts the Enemy's repel'd,
One only quarter, to th'assault does yield.
Enter Third Messenger.
Some Foes are enter'd, but they are so few
They only Death, not Victory pursue.

Orb.
Hark, hark they shout!
From Vertues rules I do, too meanly swerve:
I by my Courage will your Love deserve.

Mont.
Here in the heart of all the Town I'le stay:
And timely succour where it wants, convey.

A Noise within. Enter Orbell. Indians driven in, Cortez after them, and one or two Spaniards.
Cort.
He's found, he's found, degenerate Coward, stay:
Night sav'd thee once thou shalt not scape by day.

[Kills Orbellan.
Orb.
—O I am Kill'd—Dyes.

Enter Guyomar and Odmar
Guy.
Yield Generous Stranger and preserve your life,
He is beset.
Why chuse you death in this unequal strife.

Almeria and Alibech falls on Orbellans body.
Cort.
What nobler Fate could any Lover meet,
I fall reveng'd, and at my Mistress feet?

They fall on him and bear him down, Guyomar takes his Sword.
Alib.
He's past recovery; my Dear Brother's Slain:
Fates head was in it, and my care is vain.

Alm.
In weak complaints you vainly wast your breath:
They are not Tears that can revenge his Death,
Dispatch the Villain strait.

Cort.
—The Villains Dead:

Alm.
Give me a Sword and let me take his Head.

Mont.
Though, Madam, for your Brothers loss I grieve,
Yet let me beg,—

Alm.
—His Murderer may Live?

Cyd.
'Twas his Misfortune, and the Chance of War.

Cort.
It was my purpose, and I kill'd him fair;
How could you so unjust and cruel prove
To call that Chance that was the act of Love?

Cyd.
I call'd it any thing to save your Life:
Would he were living still, and I his Wife;
That wish was once, my greatest misery:
But 'tis a greater to behold you dye.

Alm.
Either command his Death upon the place,
Or never more behold Almeria's face.

Guy.
You by his Valour, once from Death were freed:
Can you forget so Generous a deed?

[To Montezuma.
Mont.
How Gratitude and Love divide my breast!
Both ways alike my Soul is rob'd of rest.
But—let him Dye,—can I his Sentence give?
Ungrateful must he Dye by whom I Live?
But can I then Almeria's Tears deny!
Should any Live whom she commands to Dye?

Guy.
Approach who dares: he yielded on my word;
And as my Pris'ner, I restore his Sword;
[Gives his Sword.
His Life concerns the safety of the State,
And I'le preserve it for a calm debate.

Mont.
Dar'st thou Rebel false and degenerate Boy,
That being which I gave, I thus destroy.

Offers to kill him, Odmar steps between.
Odm.
My Brothers blood I cannot see you spill,
Since he prevents you but from doing ill:
He is my Rival, but his Death would be
For him too glorious, and too base for me.

Guy.
Thou shalt not Conquer in this noble strife:
Alas, I meant not to defend my Life:
Strike, Sir, you never pierc'd a Breast more true:
'Tis the last Wound I e're can take for you.
You see I Live but to dispute your will;
Kill me, and then you may my Pris'ner Kill.

Cort.
You shall not, Gen'rous Youths, contend for me:
It is enough that I your Honour see,
But that your Duty may no blemish take,
I will my self your Father's Captive make:
When he dares strike I am prepar'd to fall:
Gives his Sword to Montezuma.
The Spaniards will revenge their General.

Cyd.
Ah you too hastily your Life resign,
You more would Love it if you valued mine!

Cort.
Dispatch me quickly, I my Death forgive,
I shall grow tender else, and wish to Live;
Such an infectious Face her sorrow wears,
I can bear Death, but not Cydaria's Tears.

Alm.
Make haste, make haste, they merit Death all three:
They for Rebellion, and for Murder he.
See, see, my Brother's Ghost hangs hovering there,
O're his warm Blood, that steems into the Air,
Revenge, Revenge it cries.

Mont.
—And it shall have;
But two days respite for his Life I crave:
If in that space you not more gentle prove,
I'le give a Fatal proof how well I Love.
'Till when you Guyomar, your Pris'ner take;
Bestow him in the Castle on the Lake:
In that small time, I shall the Conquest gain
Of these few Sparks of Vertue that remain:
Then all who shall my head-long passion see,
Shall curse my Crimes, and yet shall pity me.

[Exeunt omnes.