University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Scene among the Rocks, with a distant View of the Valley.
Alphonso and Houaco.
ALPHONSO.
Yes, all is well. Now seek we Amazilia,
Where late we left her with the mountain band?

HOUACO.
No, she is more secure in that retreat
With those who followed on my youthful steps.
The mountain lama could not footing hold
On yon steep crags: the spoiler cannot find
The well conceal'd and only access thither.
My treasure's safe. We are not yet assured
Whence was the clamour, as of hostile tongues,
That broke, by fits, the stillness of the night.

ALPHONSO.
We have discovered nought that may confirm
Thy fears, Houaco. Trust me, all is well.
The sounds thou heard'st were, sure, imprison'd winds:
They, in deep caverns pent, will chafe in tone,
That, by each rock repeated, much resemble
The brawling of rude tongues. Away with doubt!
And from this cliff, as from the eagle's nest,
Behold the wished for valley spread below.
Within an hour thou wilt embrace thy father.—
Give all thy soul to gladness!

HOUACO.
Oh! Alphonso,
In this long-saddened heart joy cannot harbour
But as the flash that o'er the stormy sky
Darts amid rolling thunders, and again
'Tis darkness all! Alas! with sad forebodings
Shuddering, I seek the vale.
[He looks anxiously about. Distant cries are heard.
And hark! Those sounds
Are not the busy stir of peaceful life:
No—nor the voice of gratulation. Hah!
The din of war rings thus upon the ear,
Or shouts of fierce pursuit.

ALPHONSO.
Forbid it, heaven!
And yet thy terror has infected me.
(Listening)
Now all is still again. It were impossible!
Thou know'st the dreadful thought—I dare not speak it.
But say—oh say—it is impossible!

HOUACO.
And hark, again! Heard'st thou that hideous yell?
It grows upon the ear. It must be so!

ALPHONSO.
If it be so, I by thy side will fall,
And dearly sell each drop of my heart's blood
For India's injured sons. No—save his father's,—
No Spaniard's breast is sacred to Alphonso.

[Drawing his sword.
HOUACO.
Yes, that same dagger shall redeem its guilt.
Oh, give it me, and thou shalt see how strong
Against an iron host, a single arm,
Nerved as Houaco's, by a cause so dear—
My father! and my people! and my wife!
Give—give the dagger!

ALPHONSO.
Take it; but first swear
Thou wilt not aim it at Pedrarias' breast.

HOUACO.
Nay, take it back again, if such the terms.

ALPHONSO
(baring his breast).
Then once more point it here! I will remove
Capana's cherished pledge, and give it way!
Or plunge it here, or say my father's sacred.

HOUACO.
And wherefore, think'st thou, I have suffer'd life?
For two long years have dragged th'invader's chains?
Born to command, protect, and lead a people,
Have bowed this body to the servile oar?
Wherefore did I reject thy fellowship,
Till driven from his presence, cursed by him,
My heart forgot thou wert Pedrarias' son?
Wherefore all this?—but that I hoped to quaff
The cup of sweet revenge! E'en now 'tis mine,
The luscious draught! and shall my lips refuse it?

ALPHONSO.
[Nearer cries are heard.
The foe is on us! I will trust in friendship!
Take thou the dagger to defend thy father:
This sword must guard the author of my days
E'en against thee! for not to parricide,
Although to treason doom'd by holiest ties,
Each crimson drop that swells within these veins
Must flow for good Capana and his people!

Indians pass across the stage pursued by Spaniards Alphonso and Houaco rush upon the Spaniards, and presently drive them back. The Indians gather round Alphonso and Houaco, full of joy and wonder.
ALPHONSO.
Yes, Indians, yes—ye see Capana's son!
Restored by Heaven to save you from your foe!
Behold in me the Spaniard your cacique
Released from death! both to your service vowed:
By nature he!—and I by gratitude!
On! follow us to liberty and vengeance!
But mark me, friends; dismiss the well-aim'd shaft,
Then instant turn, nor grapple with th'invader.
Keep still aloof—surround him—harass him;
Be swift—be indefatigable.—On!—

[Exeunt with expressions of ardour and joy.