University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Alonzo, and Gatinara.
Alonzo.
My worthy Gatinara, many years
Have now elapsed, since we enjoyed together
Our lively hours of youth, that made time rapid!
I, from two causes, am o'erjoyed to meet thee!
The pleasing sight of a sincere, old friend,
Gives back our past, and, oft, our best existence;
And, sure, thy message, at this crisis, brings
Grateful intelligence to Ximenes.
But Gatinara, what peculiar object
Is agitated at the court of Brussels?
I'm not presuming to inquire too far.

Gatinara.
What much employs our minds, must actuate yours;
Our sovereign's voyage to his realms of Spain;
The preparations for this great event
Are all compleated; many hearts, Alonzo,
Now burn with loyal prayers; but more with anxious
Wishes of private interest, and ambition.
A letter to your venerable regent,
Which only to himself I must deliver,
With the most expeditious use of time,
Was, by our minister, with me entrusted.
Then wilt thou, soon, Alonzo, for thy friend,
Procure an audience of the cardinal?

Alonzo.
Dispatch has been, with me, a golden rule;
And sure it's practice I'll exert for thee.
Two objects of important magnitude
Will mark this sad, yet this auspicious æra;
The long-desired arrival of our prince;
And, much I fear, the death of Ximenes.
Age, complicated cares of government,
And deadly poison, press him to the grave.
Curse on the iron heart that first suggested,
The head that plotted, and the hand that laid
This baleful ambush for my honoured master;
Of Spain the glory, to the human race
A friend, and an illustrious ornament!
Although his pulse of life it's usual office
Performs with feeble, and reluctant motion,
His loyal heart still pants to meet his sovereign;
And, with that view, forthwith he purposes
A journey to Aranda! Ximenes,
Like all great souls, on fire for arduous deeds,
Is, to the last, consistent; of himself
Is emulous; and even with death contends.
King never owed so deep a debt to subject,
As stands betwixt our monarch, and his regent.
Excuse me Gatinara; honest zeal
Makes me forget my promise; let us go;
You shall not be detained by my delay.

[Exeunt.