ACT II.
Alonzo.
Will this night never come to an end?—The stars still twinkle in the heavens, the moon scarcely yet begins to lose her lustre, and a deep and solemn silence reigns around.—More grateful to the sinner’s soul are noise and tumult, for they assist to deaden the voice of conscience.—What said the fool Diego lately?—that it is the same with conscience as with the stomach, the moment either compels us to feel its existence, we may be sure it is not in perfect health.—And the fool spoke truly.—Oh my excellent mother! thy golden instructions may one day conduct me into a better world—they have not taught me how to conduct myself in another hemisphere!—Perhaps at this very moment thou art upon thy knees, praying for a blessing upon thy fallen son!—Ah, pray for him! intercede for him!—he needs the intercession of a saint!—But away, away ye gloomy thoughts!—All may yet be well!—Night is followed by twilight—twilight by the first rays of the rising sun!—(Looking towards the east) And see there the precursor of returning joy!—Already the east begins to be streaked with purple, and the stars are disappearing.—Hist! I hear the chirping of a distant bird!—the moment draws near which is to bring Cora back to her Alonzo!—while I press her to my bosom, conscience is mute, and I can laugh at danger. I will awaken these sleepers. (He shakes Diego) Diego, rise,—it is already day.
Diego.(Rubbing his eyes) Hey!—how!—you joke! it is still dark.
Alonzo.No, no, the moon is going down, the stars are vanishing.
Diego.(Yawning) Take heed what you are about, or you will soon find that it is dark enough. (He turns on the other side, mutters some inarticulate words, and falls asleep again.)
Alonzo.If that fellow have not slept, or eaten his fill, he is like a watch not wound up. (He shakes Don Juan) Velasquez, the day begins to break!
Juan.(Raising himself up, and looking about) Well!—and what of that?
Alonzo.Will you not rise and enjoy so fine a morning?
Juan.Write an Ode upon the Morning, if it be so very fine; but prithee let me sleep quietly. (He lies down again.)
Alonzo.Have you forgotten that we may soon expect Cora?
Juan.That is no concern of mine, she does not come to see me.
Alonzo.And don’t you think it worth while to unbar your eyes a few minutes earlier, to see an angel?
Juan.I will dream of her. (He falls asleep.)
Alonzo.There they lie and sleep as tho’ in mockery of the troubles of my soul. Ah, it is only the unembarrassed mind which can thus recruit itself by inactivity. Yes, I perceive that the more man throws off his rational nature, and assimilates himself with the brute, who looks to sense alone for his enjoyments, the happier is his lot.—Happier?—Most certainly so; in his own eyes, at least, if not in the eyes of wisdom; and what more can be required? (A clapping of hands is heard behind the walls) But hark?—she comes!—Oh, all that I have said of sensual delight is false! One moment, when the soul partakes of real transport, outweighs whole hours of mere corporeal pleasure. (He hastens to meet Cora.)
Cora.Here I am, dearest Alonzo!—But you have deprived Cora of an expected pleasure.—I hoped to have found you buried in sleep—I meant to have concealed myself behind a tree, to have scattered leaves over you, andthen reproved you as a sluggard.—Do you not hear me, Alonzo, or are you in a waking dream?—else, when your arm is thrown around my neck, how can you stand with eyes thus fixed, and think of any thing besides your Cora?
Alonzo.Amiable creature! suspect me not unjustly!—Cora alone rules in my heart, as one sun alone rules in the heavens.—Yet I cannot cease to think of the discovery made this night!—My peace! my peace of mind is lost!—Conscience,—a thousand horrible images.—Death in its most hideous form, with cold and outstretched arms, tearing Cora from my heart,—these, these are the ideas which haunt me incessantly.
Cora.(Laying her hand upon his mouth) Be silent and trust to the gods!—Look up, the heavens are clear and serene all around us, and my heart is full of transport!—Soon will the sun be risen above the horizon, hasten, hasten to ascend the hill! (She climbs hastily up the hill, Alonzo following her) Oh behold!—a minute longer and we had been too late—see how the east already glitters with streaks of gold—see how the twilight vanishes over the hills and woods—see what thousands of dew-drops sparkle with the rays of morning, and listen to the notes of birds innumerable, warbling their early songs! Oh, Alonzo! My God is great!—My breast is too contracted for all my feelings!—Burst forth,—burst forth, ye tears of transport which stand in my eyes!—Rejoice with me, my love; behold where the God ascends in unclouded majesty—he is not offended. (She kneels.) Father, to whose service I have devoted myself!—Father, whose image I bear externally on my bosom, and internally in my heart!—Vouchsafe to cast one of thy many eyes upon me, be witness of my love for this young man, and be my judge!—If the feelings which now engross my soul be sinful, then veil thy flaming forehead in darkness, or command thy thunder-clouds to gather round thee, and send down upon me thy forked lightning, as the minister of thy vengeance!—Give me, oh Father!—Give me a sign of thy love or of thy anger!—(After a pause) Oh with what mildness, what gentleness, do his rays fall upon me!—how benignantly he looks down and blesses me!—(She rises) Well then I dare venture upon the trial—dare venture to make it even in the presence of my God himself!—Alonzo, come to my arms. (She embraces him) It is over, and now all myfears are dispelled!—Had this embrace been sinful, he had annihilated us both at this moment!—My heart is full of joy and gratitude!—Come let us kneel together!—together pray—together give thanks!
Alonzo.I pray with thee?—Dear Cora, the sun is not my God.
Cora.Oh yes, he is equally yours and mine. Does he not shine upon all?—to all give light and warmth?—I entreat you, kneel with me.
Alonzo.Dear Cora!
Cora.Ungrateful man!—to whom do you owe your Cora?—Would I in the presence of my God be ashamed of you, my Alonzo?—Oh then if indeed you love me!—(She kneels and takes his hand to draw him after her.)
Alonzo.Who could resist such sweet enthusiasm! (He kneels by her.)
Cora.Let silent thanks,—the inward emotions of our hearts be the only incense we offer.
Alonzo.These I present to thee, God of all gods! (They both remain in silent prayer.)
Is it so early!—The sun is scarcely risen!—Alas, thus he sets and rises again, yet ever finds me wakeful!—But let me arm myself with patience, and the time will shortly come when he will find me sleeping for ever!—(He sees Don Juan and Diego) Who have we here?—two of the strangers who live among us—doubtless they have lost their way among these bushes, and have been overtaken by the night. I will awake them, and present them with refreshments;—yet first let me offer my morning prayers to thee, my Father!
Rollaturns to the East, and as he raises his hands and eyes towards Heaven, suddenly espies the lovers kneeling upon the hill, at sight of whom, he utters a shriek of horror, and remains immoveable as if he had seen a spirit.CoraandAlonzorise slowly with their faces still turned towards the sun, and sink into a silent embrace.Rollaoverpowered, exclaims with a voice almost suffocated with anguish, “Cora!!!” The lovers start affrighted, turn round, and look down—Corasinks in a swoon upon the declivity of the hill.——Alonzoafter hesitating a few moments whether to hastendown, or stay and assistCora, at length decides on the latter, kneels by her, and endeavours to recover her.Rollatrembling with agony, yet unable to stir from the spot, remains with his eyes fixed upon the lovers.Alonzoat length exclaimsVelasquez! Diego! to arms! to arms! (JuanandDiegospring up, but are scarcely awake.)
Juan.What is the matter?
Diego.What is the matter?
Alonzo.Seize him!—Don’t let him escape!
Juan and Diego.(Still staggering with sleep, yet endeavouring to draw their swords) Where! whom!
Alonzo.Seize him! secure him! he will escape!
Juan.(Recovering himself, and pointing to Rolla) That man? that single man?
Diego.(Brandishing his sword) Two to one!—I am your man for that!
Alonzo.Secure him I say! we are betrayed!
Juan.A single unarmed man! (He returns his sword into the scabbard.)
Alonzo.(Quitting Cora, who is not yet recovered, draws his sword and rushes down the hill towards Rolla, who keeps his eyes immoveably fixed upon Cora) Then I must myself.—
Juan.(Seizing him by the arm) Hold, my friend—or rather my enemy, if you move a step.
Alonzo.My God, Velasquez, have you lost your senses? We are betrayed! you risk Cora’s life! (Endeavouring to break away from him.)
Juan.(Eagerly thrusting him back) Restrain your passion! (He goes up to Rolla.) Surely you are not unknown to me.—Is it not Rolla whom I behold?
Rolla.(Somewhat recovering himself.) I—who am I? Yes, my name is Rolla.
Juan.Rolla, the champion of his country?—Yes, it is he, and in him I salute one of the bravest and noblest of men.
Rolla.How is this? it is yet early morning! (Striking his hand upon his forehead.) Am I in a dream? (After a pause, and fixing his eyes again stedfastly upon Cora) No!—By all the gods it is no dream?
Juan.Oh no!—Howsoever severe may be the censure which your eyes denounce against the scene before you—in how horrible a light soever you may be inclined to consider the truth, still it must be owned that this is nodream. Probably you may recognize that maiden by the figure of your deity which adorns her bosom. She is aVirgin of the Sun.
Rolla.And her name is Cora.
Juan.This young man too, you may also recollect—he is the favourite of your king, that Alonzo who saved the life of Ataliba at Cannara, while Rolla was fighting in support of his throne under the walls of Cuzco.
Rolla.(Offering his hand to Alonzo) Yes, it is the same Alonzo.
Juan.And now, Rolla, if you be indeed the man I believe you, your sentiments and feelings must differ widely from those of your priests, who having their eyes almost continually fixed upon the sun, when they chance to look downward towards the earth, see all things here below through a false medium, so that scarcely any object appears under its proper form and colour. You know the world, and mankind, know how the heart is eternally swayed by circumstances, now this way, now that, and what numberless passions contend for sovereignty within it. Among these, Love is always resisted with the greatest difficulty—indeed is scarcely to be withstood, but where, in making the attack, he has not deigned to exert all his powers. Look at that virgin—she is lovely——
Rolla.Great God!—to whom is this observation addressed.
Juan.Look at this youth—he is ardent, impetuous. That he saw and loved her is his only crime.
Rolla.It is no crime.
Juan.There spake Rolla!—I was not deceived in him!—
Alonzo.And you will keep our secret?—will avert, nameless, misery from the unfortunate Cora?
Rolla.Think you, that I could betray her?—Know, young man, that for years I have loved, have idolized her.
Alonzo and Juan.(At the same moment and with the utmost astonishment) You!!!
Rolla.Oh the impotence of words!—Not my language—not your language—not all the languages of the world combined, have power to describe what I feel for Cora?—She was scarcely above the age of childhood when I marched for the first time against the rebels who inhabitthe fields at the foot of the mountains of Sangay—she wept when I bade her adieu, and since our separation, I have known no pleasure but in the recollection of that moment and of those tears. When the contest was ended, I returned, but all had then assumed a new aspect. No longer was I to behold the same free unfettered maiden whom I had left, she was become the confident of the gods. I would have made her my wife, she saw the purity of the flame with which I burned, she saw the ardour of my passion, but her heart was wholly occupied with her new situation, and while she called the sun her husband, she looked down with contempt upon me. The day soon arrived on which a solemn oath consecrated her for ever to the service of her God, and consigned me over as a victim to eternal misery. Still I continued for several years to drag about a miserable existence from place to place, from battle to battle, and while I sought death gained only renown. At length I retired to this spot, and for some weeks past, this cave has been my dwelling.—This cave, which has become dear to me since it conceals from my sight that sun who robbed me of my Cora!
Alonzo.(Who during this narrative has again hastened to Cora, and endeavoured, though still in vain, to recover her.) I pity you from my soul!—believe me I pity you from my soul!—But how can I trust a rival?—Swear that you will not betray us.
Rolla.I will not swear.
Alonzo.No!—and yet you pretend to love Cora?
Rolla.What need of oaths since I do love her?
Alonzo.For the satisfaction of my mind.
Rolla.What does your satisfaction concern me?
Alonzo.I entreat this of you!—Do you wish to keep me in incessant torments?—Would you force me to proceed to extremities?—recollect that cases may occur when the commission of an apparent crime, is in reality to perform an act of virtue.
Rolla.(Contemptuously.) Indeed!
Alonzo.And should I ever perceive the slightest ground for suspicion that thou wert capable of betraying Cora—observe, Rolla, though I respect and honour thee, yet I assure thee both by my God, and thy own, that I would take thy life without remorse.
Rolla.I will not swear.
Alonzo.Rolla, I entreat it once more!—What am I to think of this refusal?—See how I am shaken to my very soul—every limb trembles—my veins swell—and I can scarcely breathe for anguish. In mercy then swear.
Rolla.I will not swear.
Alonzo.(Drawing his sword in a rage, and pressing upon Rolla.) Die then!
Juan.(Catching him hastily by the arm) Is reason again gone astray?—Hold! hold!—are you a knight?
Alonzo.Stand off, or my sword shall dispatch thee also! (He struggles to break away from Don Juan, while Rolla continues immoveable and unconcerned.)
Juan.This storm of passion is too mighty for me!—I can restrain him no longer—Rolla, defend thyself!
Rolla.Seek not to restrain him, I die willingly for Cora! (During this scene Cora recovers from her swoon, and as she opens her eyes perceives the struggle. She starts up with the wildest anguish, rushes hastily down the hill, and throws herself into Rolla’s arms.)
Cora.Alonzo, what would you do?
Alonzo.It is for thee!—for thy sake alone!—Should he betray thee, we are lost.
Cora.He betray me!—Rolla, my truest friend betray me!—He who was ever my defender, my intercessor, while I was yet a child,—who has so many times softened my mother’s rage when I had offended her!—Oh Rolla, you must remember it well?
Rolla.But too well!
Cora.And do you think that he would betray me?
Alonzo.Why then did he refuse the oath I required?
Cora.Had you cause sufficient to require an oath?—Look at those eyes!—are they not a stronger security for his faith than any oath?
Rolla.(Clasping her to his bosom.) Now let me die!—Let me, oh ye gods, die this very moment!—I am so happy;—so blessed!—Cora reposes confidence in me, I clasp her in my arms, I hear her voice once more!—Ah, five years have elapsed since I experienced such happiness, since I saw her except at an awful distance.
Cora.(Earnestly.) And I rejoice no less to see you again so near me!—In your presence all the happy days of my childhood seem to pass anew before my eyes—so many delightful images are present to my recollection.——
Alonzo.(Leaning upon his sword, and betraying emotions of the most poignant jealousy) Cora, what torments do you inflict upon me!
Cora.Why are you tormented?—Oh you do not know how strong an affection I bear for Rolla!—When a youth he loved me, and we were destined for each other.—Yes, Rolla, is it not true that we were destined for each other?
Rolla.Oh true, true indeed!—for your virtuous mother—but no more—had she not died so prematurely—who knows—
Cora.Ah, dearest Alonzo, at that time I was continually turning his love into ridicule, because I knew not what it was to love. Forgive me, Rolla, I know it better now! Oh how often, and how grievously must I have tormented you!—
Rolla.Grievously!—most grievously!—but let that be forgotten—this moment is so truly blessed!—
Cora.Hear him, Alonzo, hear what kindness is breathed in every word he utters!—but my mother always told me the same—“Rolla,” she repeatedly said, “has one of the best of hearts—love him—marry him,—and I shall die happy.”—But when she died, Rolla was engaged in fighting his sovereign’s battles, and during his absence a sacred flame was kindled in my bosom.—At his return, therefore, I could not love him; my heart was devoted to my God, and I only sighed for the day when I should be wedded to the Sun.
Rolla.But this romantic enthusiasm has at length given way to nature, and love has found its way to your heart?
Cora.Yes, Rolla, that once insensible heart is insensible no longer—be you my confident.—I love that young man; our first meeting was in the Temple of the Sun, when I saw him standing by the side of our king.—My heart was instantly overpowered with an emotion for which I could scarcely account, and the dish that contained the bread of sacrifice, almost fell from my trembling hand. An ardent glance which he cast upon me, soon gave me assurance that my feelings were not unanswered on his part—yet since I was shut up within the boundaries of the Temple, and he could only steal round the outward walls, what hope remained that we might ever find the means ofpersonally communicating our mutual passion. The gods saw and pitied our distress.—You must well remember that awful day, some months ago, when the hills around burst out with flames of fire,—when the ocean raged, and the earth trembled,—when many palaces were laid in ruins,—when even the Temple of the Sun itself was menaced with destruction, and the walls by which it is surrounded were rent asunder in two separate places. Then, trembling, and weeping, we poor affrighted servants of the gods ran hither and thither—death seemed to reign triumphant in our cells—he seemed still to pursue us when we fled under the roof of heaven alone, and our shrieks were mingled with the groans of contending nature. Alonzo, ever on the watch among these bushes, soon perceived the breach in the wall, and boldly ventured to ascend it—one stone after another fell beneath his feet—here the earth gaped to swallow him up, and there my arm was stretched out to receive him.—The darkness veiled our love from observation; and since that time my Alonzo has frequently found his way over the same ruins.
Rolla.Cora, I tremble for thee!—In what dreadful perils hast thou involved thyself!
Alonzo.Tell him all!—let him know the fatal consequence ofyourweakness, andmyguilt!—tell him—
Cora.Yes, Rolla, it is true.
Rolla.What!—how!—Oh thoughtless girl!—And you, Alonzo, were you so ignorant of our customs that—ye gods!—ye gods!—my children you must fly!—instantly fly!
Juan.But whither?
Alonzo.Ah, Rolla, save her!
Cora.(Terrified) Is this really esteemed so high a crime here below, altho’ the gods above do not regard it as an offence.
Rolla.How much my whole frame is shaken with horror!—I am at this moment scarcely capable of thought!—Cora, do you love him?
Cora.As my own soul.
Rolla.And are you certain that in his arms repentance will never corrode your peace, but that you can live and die contentedly as his wife?
Cora.’Tis all I wish.
Rolla.And do you, Alonzo, feel the value of the sacrifice she would make you?
Alonzo.I feel it deeply.
Rolla.Then will I save you both. (He places himself between them) Come hither, and each give me a hand!—Consider me as your brother—as such, Cora, my dearest sister, I unite you to this man. (Placing her hand in Alonzo’s) May the shade of your mother, which hovers over us at this moment, look down with an eye of favour upon your union!—May it be followed by her blessing—If you are happy, I shall be so. (He turns aside, and wipes tears from his eyes.)
Alonzo and Cora.(Throwing their arms round him) Our dearest brother!
Rolla.Yes, your brother!—and as your brother, will I pass the remainder of my days with you. In a sequestered spot, on the other side of the blue mountains, lives a friend of mine, an old Cazique, who, under the monarch of Cuzco, rules a mild and gentle race, many of whom served in their sovereign’s army during the last war. At that time the son of the Cazique, a youth of the fairest promise, was severely wounded, and fell a prisoner into my hands; but, by my care and attention, he soon recovered of his wounds, and I restored him, without ransom, to his father. Since that moment the good man has been unbounded in his expressions of gratitude—He will receive us with transport; and in that remote province your love will find a secure asylum. There will I live with you,—tend and educate your children—be cheerful and happy, since Cora will be happy;—and at last, amid your brotherly and sisterly tears, quit this world with calmness and serenity, and ascend with transport to our Father above.
Cora.Where you will be received by my mother with inexpressible transports of gratitude!
Alonzo.Noble, generous man!—Scarcely dare I raise my eyes towards you!
Juan.(Half aside, endeavouring to conceal a tear) By all the saints above, if that man be not a Christian, I myself will turn Heathen!
Rolla.Let us now consult together what further is to be done!—Flight is resolved on; but the time and manner of its accomplishment remain to be considered.
Diego.(Who, during this whole scene has been looking about in different places, to see that all was safe, now comes forward hastily.) I hear a rustling noise behind the walls,and sounds which appear like the whispering of two female voices.
Rolla.Hasten, hasten into my cave! (As they are going Idali and Amazili appear coming through the breach in the wall, and looking about with great eagerness and curiosity.)
Alonzo.We are too late, they are here already!
Idali.Cora! we were looking for you.
Cora.I am coming.
Rolla.Tarry a moment!—They have seen and heard us,—for God’s sake! do not let them escape thus; we must win them over to our interest.
Juan.That were a task for a minister of state!—If this be accomplished, I shall be persuaded that Rolla is capable of conquering whole provinces, without a stroke of the sword.
Rolla.Nothing more easy!—Flatter them, they are women.
Juan.Lovely maidens! will you not come near?
Idali.(To Amazili) I believe he means to address us.
Amazili.How he fixes his eyes upon us!—Let us hasten back.
Idali.Come, Cora, the High-Priestess sent us to seek for you.
Alonzo.Pray come nearer, pious virgins!
Juan.And receive the homage due to your charms.
Idali.(To Amazili.) Shall we run away?
Amazili.Yes; let us fly. (Neither of them stir.)
Cora.I will go with you directly. But why do you stand there so bashfully among the trees?—Come here, sisters.
Idali.Oh no, not among men.
Juan.Men!—Fair maidens! how came you to suppose us men? Three of us are only Spaniards, and the other will readily withdraw, if you wish to avoid his presence. (He makes a sign to Rolla, who immediately retires into the entrance of his cave.) Are you still afraid, sweet maidens?
Amazili.(To Idali) What do you think,—shall we venture?
Idali.You step first, and I will follow.
Amazili.No, you are the oldest.
Idali.But you got over the wall first.
Amazili.Yes; but it was you that first spied the breach.
Juan.The contest may easily be decided. (He steps between them, and draws them both after him) Now you may safely swear that neither took the first step.
Amazili.Ah, Idali! he has laid such fast hold of me!
Idali.And of me too!
Juan.Be quiet, dear children! no harm shall happen to you. (He chucks Idali under the chin) You are blooming as a rose. (Turning to Amazili) And you, as—as—as—
Diego.(With great gallantry) As a sun-flower.
Juan.(To Idali) Your eyes are so soft and blue.
Diego.(To Amazili) Yours are so very roguish.
Juan.You smile so sweetly.
Diego.The coral of your lips is so alluring.
Juan.This hand is so soft.
Diego.This waist is so slender.
Amazili.(To Idali) Shall we run away?
Idali.I think we may as well stay a little.
Amazili.But are you certain that you are not men?—We must die if you deceive us.
Cora.Come, sisters, we shall be missed.
Idali.And then the High-Priestess will scold.
Amazili.We ought to be dressing for the festival.
Idali.And there is nobody in the temple—the sacred flame will be extinguished.
Diego.You can easily kindle it again with your bright eyes.
Cora.Tell me, Idali, how happened it that the High-Priestess sent you hither?
Idali.We repaired to the temple this morning to take your place, and not finding you there, we went and reported it to the High-Priestess, who immediately sent us to look for you in the garden.
Cora.Did she give you no further orders?
Amazili.Only when we found you, to send you to her.
Juan.And should she ask where you met with Cora, what will you answer?
Idali.That we found her talking with some Spaniards.
Juan.Oh you must not mention us, sweet girls! forthe High-Priestess will be angry at your staying so long, and forbid your meeting us again—and you would like, I hope, to come here sometimes, and amuse us with your conversation.
Diego.(To Amazili) I have fallen so desperately in love with you, my little rogue, that I hope you will come and meet me again.
Amazili.(To Idali) What do you say, Idali?
Idali.I can’t tell.
Juan.Say rather that Cora had fallen asleep behind one of the pillars in the temple, and in the dusk of morning you did not perceive her.
Diego.Or that she was lying under the shade of the great palm-tree, in the court before the temple.
Amazili.Oh charming!
Idali.An excellent thought!
Cora.Come, let us hasten back.
Idali.It is indeed time; let us go.
Amazili.Yes, let us go. (Neither she nor Idali stir)
Juan.Go sweet maiden.
Diego.Go you little rogue.
Idali.Well, good morning—good morning.
Amazili.Farewel—farewel. (They return over the wall)
Cora.(Embracing Alonzo) Farewel, Alonzo!
Alonzo.Farewel, my beloved—soon my wife.[Exit Cora.
Rolla.Well, how have you managed them?
Diego.Most completely—we have wound them round our fingers.
Juan.Rolla knows their sex.
Rolla.By report chiefly.
Diego.I begin to like the adventure extremely—my little creature seemed disposed to be very loving.
Juan.Yet the clouds, so pregnant with thunder, every moment gather thicker over our heads, and wear a more menacing aspect.
Alonzo.(Taking Rolla’s hand) Brother!—dearest brother hasten to extricate us!
Rolla.I must consider the matter more calmly.—Ohwhat new vigour have my limbs acquired!—I am become quite another man. No longer are all things indifferent to me; I find something again to interest me in the world; I can again hope and fear, desire and reject.—Thanks to thee, Cora, for the mild rain which has thus revived the withered plant. Yes, we will fly!—Flight may be dangerous, but I shall find it therefore the more grateful. When our pursuers shall be so close upon us, that their cries assail our ears, and their arrows fly around us, then shall I be inspired with new life. When Rolla shall fight for Cora—when he shall brandish his sword in her defence, then will be, indeed, the moment for displaying the full extent of his powers. I was called valiant under the walls of Cuzco, and in the fields of Tumibamba; but then I did not fight for Cora—did not fight under her eyes!—In that situation I shall become a god!
Alonzo.(Falling on his neck) Exalted man!—Deign to give me but one friendly glance as an assurance that you have pardoned the headstrong boy!
Rolla.No, Alonzo, I would not have more merit ascribed to me than I can justly claim. All that I do is for Cora—nothing for you. Were she only to drop a withered flower into the water, and express a wish to have it again, I would instantly plunge into the stream to recover it for her, even at the hazard of my life. It is for her sake alone that I am your friend—forhersake that I pardonyou.
Alonzo.Yet permit me at least to cherish a hope, that I may one day be thought worthy of a place in your friendship, for my own sake.
Rolla.You are beloved by Cora, what more can you wish. Oh! if Cora lovedme, the gods themselves might seek my friendship in vain!—But we are merely talking, when we ought to be in action. Come into my cave, there we shall be secure from listeners; there we can arrange the plan of our escape, and carouse together unmolested;—for to-day I am resolved to carouse—yes, even to intoxication!—I am already intoxicated—intoxicated with joy! From the crown of my head to the sole of my foot, every atom of my frame is in a commotion of extacy. My strength, my faculties, have acquired such additional power, that at this moment I seem as if I could controul the world! (He takes Alonzo’s hand, and leads him into his cave.)
Juan.(Following them) Happy is it for the king of Quito that this man is in love. Either to love with such unbounded passion, or to precipitate his sovereign from his throne, seems to be the destination of such a mind.[Exit.
Diego.Drink, and carouse!—I am your man for that.—It shall quickly be seen who can empty his glass, to the honour of his girl, most frequently, and with the greatest expedition.[Exit.
END OF THE SECOND ACT.