University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

—The Corridor of the Dungeons.
Enter Almagro and Pedro.
Alma.
So this is thy domain?—a gloomy one!
When, yesterday, I ranged the prison-cells,
I little dream'd to find their custody
Committed to an old acquaintance. As
I told thee then, that old acquaintance may
Become my friend; and, if my friend, a rich,
Promoted one! Thou saw'st me, yesterday,
The same Almagro whom thou knew'st before,
Except the lead I took in this revolt,
And that, but second to Alasco. Now
Alasco gives me place; this hour, good Pedro,
Has placed me in the seat his sister fill'd!
Almagro rules in Saragossa now,
Almagro now is Regent. When we discoursed—
Anticipating this advancement, and
Aware that, from thy calling, thou couldst find me
Men of the mettle I might stand in need of—

Pedro.
I recollect. The first is found—a Moor,
One that will do the work, whereto you set him,
Nor scan its quality.

Alma.
The man I need!

Pedro.
One who will serve you as he were your hand
That does your will, nor questions you thereon;
A stranger too, unknown in Saragossa!
Of bearing also, such as will not shame you.

Alma.
The very man! When shall I see him?

Pedro.
Now.

Alma.
Bring him! [Pedro goes out.]
The man I need. E'en upon thee
I may not count, for thou hast friends; he, none.
A tool, with friends, has but so many minds,
May sway his own, and baffle his, he serves.
I have won the game; but still, the stake 's to get—
To get, if needs, by force! I may not look
To any that I know, for advance there;
The stanchest there, might stop! I know not one
I dare so much as e'en advise with there.
Those who are heedless how Alasco fares,
Would more than mutter, dared I breathe the thought
Of trespasss 'gainst the Rose of Arragon.

Enter Pedro and Omer.
Alma.
Is this the man?—his air is very stately!

Pedro.
It is the carriage of his blood, my lord;
Ne'er lack'd by its partaker.

Alma.
It is well!
The reverend man I spoke of—have you found him?

Pedro.
I have.

Alma.
What says he?

Pedro.
He too will be your hand.
Not more will question, 'less will do, your bidding.

Alma.
Warn him to come to me ere nine this evening,
Ere the third quarter turns.—Friend, do you heed
A woman's tears?

[To Omer.
Omer.
They do not pierce the ear.
Her shrieks do, and as little they would move me.

Alma.
What would you stop at, to obey the will
Of him you served?

Omer.
At nothing till 'twas done!

Alma.
Not blood?

Omer.
No more, sir, than the blade which sheds it.

Alma.
Wait by my side.—Advancement ne'er is bought,
But at some cost of friends. I know not, now,
Who loves me. Pry about you.—As we go
I'll tell you where my heart and soul have cast
Their all of being on!

Omer.
An enemy,
Whom you would overcome? He is at your feet!

Alma.
An enemy whom giv'st thou to mine arms,
I'll fall at yours, as my good angel ever!

Omer.
A woman!—Can't you strain her to your mood
Without my help?—You Christians there are wrong,
What we as minions treat, to rate as idols!
You flatter—sue—implore!—Possession speaks
Our wishes!

Alma.
Well you please me, thus to talk.
Thanks, Pedro!—Come!—keep near me. Well you please me.

[They go out.