University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

—An Apartment in the Palace.
Princess of Brazil and Elvira.
Princess.
The Prince's noble spirit will not brook
To hold his sceptre at a tyrant's nod;
And more disgraceful yet, to fill a throne
Beset and over aw'd by Arrogance:
Watch'd by the spies and minions of their master,
Unsafe, existing on each hour's caprice.
What is it, but to kneel a royal slave;
A splendid triumph of a Slave's ambition?

Elvira.
I know the Prince's height of soul—sublime!—
Would rather reign the Lord of some poor isle,
An hungry soil scarce yielding life's support,
Where Liberty resided, than command
Luxuriant realms, and hear his subjects groan.

Enter the Prince.
Prince,
[Taking Elvira's hand and surveying her attentively.]
Elvira, tell me, hast thou lately seen
Alvarez—where?—and when?—and what discourse?
This morn, he importun'd me for thy hand—
Say, dost thou think him worthy thy regard?
Art thou not much mistaken in his virtues?
Too oft beneath the smile of love and friendship,
Too often lurks the demon of destruction.
Long had this man possess'd my confidence;
Loaded with honors, that the nation envied:
And yet I view'd him as a second self.
Friendships are sometimes hollow, and a canker
Lurks in the bud, and blasts its opening bloom.
Elvira, has he not thy wishes still?

Elvira.
Let me confess, Alvarez won my love,
But holds it now no more; 'tis lost for ever!
Press me, my Prince, no further on this head;
Spare my poor heart the sad, ungrateful office:
Withdraw your confidence, for danger hangs,
Hangs by a single hair upon your life.
You walk towards the precipice of Fate.
Watch well the wily minister of France;
He may have thrones to offer.

Prince.
Ho! who waits?
[Enter an Attendant.
Haste and command Alonzo to our presence.
Elvira, it requires no lynx's eye
To see within that heart of thine, a war
Between thy love and loyalty—enough,
The fountain that I fancied pure is foul:
The rock, I deem'd my confidence had trod,
Trembles beneath its foot, and proves its grave.
[Enter Alonzo.
Then instantly prepare ye for the voyage.
[To the Princess and Elvira.
Alonzo, our suspicions are confirm'd:
[Exeunt Princess et Elvira.
Alvarez' heart is rotten to the core.
Let spies attend upon his every step;
Observe the wily winding of the Gaul,
The minister, the treacherous tool of France,
Who covers chains and dungeons with a smile:
See! how the Villain's poison shows its power!
A thousand eyes are scarce enough to watch them.

Alonzo.
My Prince, that traitor walks not unobserv'd—
But what new matter?

Prince.
Thou shalt be inform'd;
The council claims our presence; haste, Alonzo,
For life and freedom tremble on the moment.

[Exeunt in haste.