University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Another part of the Field.—Alarm.
Enter Alonzo and Troops.—Drums, &c.
ALONZO.
We'll ride not till they fly.—Behold, they come!
Engage them foot to foot, and hand to hand;
And, from this day's bold memory, begin
A new account, with glory for yourselves,
And those who follow.—On, my friends, fall on
Let's envy even the dead who are before us
In gracing such a scene of enterprize.

[They charge—Trumpets, &c.
Enter Durazzo and the Moorish Chief fighting.
CHIEF.
Base Spaniard, yield! I am the Moorish Chief.

DURAZZO.
Proud Infidel! your vanity hath lost you.
Were you of lesser note, you might have 'scaped
My scimitar, but death sha'n't miss you now.

CHIEF.
My boast is in my sword.

DURAZZO.
This to confound it.

[They fight; Durazzo kills him.
Enter Perez.
PEREZ.
Well met, my Lord.

DURAZZO.
Ha! Perez, honest heart,
Good morrow, once again! how fares it, boy?
There lies the leader of the enemy.

PEREZ.
Thank Heaven! the honour was reserv'd for you!

DURAZZO.
Yes: I forgive my stars.

PEREZ.
Throughout the field
I'll spread the fame of it, where even already
The praise of your exploits is loudly spoken.

DURAZZO.
What! am I known then?

PEREZ.
When I heard your deeds
In every mouth, I could not keep the secret.

DURAZZO.
Poor fool! and had I not enough of pride,
But you must lend me yours?

PEREZ.
Oh! it rejoiced me:
This day's performance cancels all the past,
And gives you to renown: distinction waits you:
Then live, my Lord; be it your care to live:
I sought you to persuade you.

DURAZZO.
'Tis in vain,
You must work miracles to give this world
A relish.—But away; my limbs are rested:
I would be busy in the fight again.
Farewell, once more!

PEREZ.
My Lord—

DURAZZO.
What would you say?

PEREZ.
It grieves me that I once approved your dying.
Oh! let me now advise—

DURAZZO.
'Tis insolence!

PEREZ.
My Lord, I crave your pardon. May I hope
You scorn me not?

DURAZZO.
No,—not for loving me
More than I do myself. How now, in tears?
I've left you well provided, as you 'll find
When I shall be no more. That 's all the harm
I wish you, Perez.

PEREZ.
Heaven be with you, master!

DURAZZO.
Yet hold: when I am dead, if I should fall
During the day's encounter, bear me to
The convent of Our Lady, where Zelinda
'Bides with the sisterhood.

PEREZ.
Doubt not, my Lord.

DURAZZO.
I cannot doubt. I know you'll do so much
For one you 've followed long and faithfully.

PEREZ.
Your life, I trust, will spare me such a task.

DURAZZO.
If so, 'twill leave a harder task for me.

Enter a Soldier.
SOLDIER.
The King!—the King!—haste—rescue!

DURAZZO.
Out with it,
What of the King?

SOLDIER.
In yonder narrow pass
The foe surround him.
[Exit Soldier.

DURAZZO.
Now for such a deed
As makes it worth a brave man's while to perish.
[Exit Durazzo.

PEREZ.
I'll follow to the last my master's fortunes.
[Exit Perez.