University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Another part of the Gardens. Enter Cornelio and an Officer.
Cor.
Sir! let me tell you I've a memory
That holds, sir, like the talons of a hawk!

Off.
You've not the credit for't.

Cor.
I know that, well;
But 'tis most certain, some things I retain.

Off.
Ay, sir; but then a corsair's face doth change
Each year, with fresh-got scars and strange disguises,
Cheeks beat to boot-leather, or a nose laid low.

Cor.
But certain eyes do last a man his life,
Never to change, or be forgotten. Mark now!
When I was station'd—'tis five years ago—
Within San Stephano's Fortress, on the coast,
One night our men surpris'd a felon rout
Of pirates, lurking in a hollow rock.
Thro' us they desperately hew'd their way,
And by our torches' light their leader's face
I saw. Most strange is the resemblance
Unto that friar whom I found this morn
With Garcia, deep in talk; tho', till this moment,
I could not dig the thought up, where I'd seen him!
Diavolo scatenato!—there's the man!
And with him two broad-shoulder'd, shambling friars,
All hurrying swiftly towards the garden gates!

Off.
Let's after them!

Cor.
Have at your cowls, ye rogues!
Man follows close when Satan leads the way!

[Exeunt.