could not see his gracious form!--Boy, would thou hadst led me to the reach of those ruffians' swords! Boy. Father! all our countrymen are flying here for refuge.

O. Man. No-to the rescue of their king-they never will desert him. [Alarms without.

Enter Peruvian Officers and Soldiers, ORANO following.

Ora. Hold, I charge you! Rolla calls you. Offi. We cannot combat with their dreadful engines.

[Shouts of victory, flourish of trumpets, &c. O. Man. [Falls on his knees.] Fountain of life! how can my exhausted breath bear to thee thanks for this one moment of my life! My boy, come CORA at length approaches ROLLA, who appears lo down and let me kiss thee !-My strength is gone-have been mournfully avoiding her.] Where is [Boy descends. Alonzo? [ROLLA turns away in silence.

Cora. Mild innocence! what will become of that cries for bis imprisoned father? No, no, my

Piz. Well, capricious idol, Fortune, be my ruin thy work and boast. To myself I will still be true. Cora. His parting words! [Wildly.] Oh, speak!-Yet, ere I fall, grant me thy smile to prosper in Rol. Consign'd to me two precious trusts-his one act of vengeance, and be that smile Alonzo's blessing to his son, and a last request to thee. death.

Enter ELVIRA.

Who's there? Who dares inttude? Why does my guard neglect their duty?

Elv. Thy guard did what they could-but they knew their duty better than to enforce authority, when I refused obedience.

Pis. And what is it thou desirest?

Elv. To see how a hero bears misfortune. Thou, Pizarro, art not now collected-nor thyself.

Piz. Wouldst thou, I should rejoice that the spears of the enemy, led by accurs'd Alonzo, have pierced the bravest hearts of my followers?

Elv. No!-I would have thee cold and dark as the night that follows the departed storm; still and sullen as the awful pause that precedes nature's convulsion yet I would have thee feel assured, that a new morning shall arise, when the warrior's spirit shall stalk forth-nor fear the future, nor lament the past.

Piz. Woman! Elvira!-why had not all my men hearts like thine?

Elv. Then would thy brows have this day worn the crown of Quito.

Elv. Thou art answered rightly. Why sport with the unfortunate?

Pis. And thou art wedded too, I hear; ay, and the father of a lovely boy-the heir, no doubt, of all his father's loyalty; of all his mother's faith.

Al. The heir, I trust, of all his father's scorn of fraud, oppression, and hypocrisy-the heir, I hope, of all his mother's virtue, gentleness, and truth-the heir, I trust, to all Pizarro's hate.

Piz. Really! Now do I feel for this poor orphan;
for fatherless to-morrow's sun shall see that child.
Alonzo, thy hours are numbered.
Elv. Pizarro-no!

Pis. Hence-or dread my anger.

Elv. I will not hence; nor do I dread thy anger. Al. [To ELVIRA.] Generous loveliness! spare thy unavailing pity.-Seek not to thwart the tiger with his prey beneath his fangs.

Piz. Audacious rebel! Thou art a renegado from thy monarch and thy God! Al. 'Tis false.

Piz. Art thou not, tell me, a deserter from thy country's legions, and, with vile heathens leagued, hast thou not warred against thy native land?

Al. No! Deserter I am none! I was not born Piz. Oh! hope fails me while that scourge of among robbers! pirates! murderers !-When those my life and fame, Alonzo, leads the enemy. legions, lured by the abhorred lust of gold, and by Elv. Pizarro, I am come to probe the hero far-thy foul ambition urged, forgot the honour of Casther: not now his courage, but his magnanimity-tilians, and forsook the duties of humanity, they Alonzo is thy prisoner.

Piz. How!

Elv. 'Tis certain: Valverde saw him even now dragged in chains within thy camp. I chose to bring thee this intelligence myself.

deserted me. I have not warred against my native land, but against those who have usurp'd its power. The banners of my country, when first I followed arms beneath them, were Justice, Faith, and Mercy. If these are beaten down, and trampled under foot-I have no country, nor exists the

Piz. Bless thee, Elvira, for the news!-Alonzo in my power!-Then I am the conqueror-the vic-power entitled to reproach me with revolt. tory is mine!

Elu. Pizarro, this is savage and unmanly triumph. Believe me, thou raisest impatience in my mind to see the man whose valour and whose genius awe Pizarro; whose misfortunes are Pizarro's triumph; whose bondage is Pizarro's safety.

Pis. Guard.-Drag here the Spanish prisoner,
Alonzo!--Quick, bring the traitor here!
Elv. What shall be his fate?

Piz. Death! death! in lingering torments! protracted to the last stretch that burning vengeance can devise, and fainting life sustain.

Elv. Shame on thee! Wilt thou have it said, that the Peruvians found Pizarro could not conquer till Alonzo felt that he could murder?

Piz. Be it said-I care not! His fate is sealed. Why this interest for a stranger? What is Alonzo's fate to thee?

Elv. His fate!-nothing!-thy glory, every thing!-Think'st thou I could love thee, stripp'd of fame, of honour, and a just renown!-Know

me better.

Pix. Thou shouldst have known me better. Thou shouldst have known that, once provoked to hate, I am for ever fixed in vengeance-[ALONZO as brought in, in chains, guarded, PIZARRO turns and surveys him.] Welcome, welcome, Don Alonzo de Molina; 'tis long since we have met; thy mended looks should speak a life of rural indolence. How is it, that amid the toils and cares of war, thou dost preserve the healthful bloom of careless ease? Tell me thy secret?

1. Thou wilt not profit by it. Whate'er the toils or cares of war, peace still is here. [Putting his hand to his heart.

Piz. Sarcastic bav!

Pis. The power to judge and punjsh thee at least exists.

Al. Where are my judges?

Piz. Thou wouldst appeal to the war-council? Al. If the good Las Casas have yet a seat there yes; if not, I appeal to heaven!

Piz. And to impose upon the folly of Las Casas what would be the excuses of thy treason?

Elv. The folly of Las Casas!-Such, doubtless, his mild precepts seem to thy hard-hearted wisdom!-O! would I might have lived as I will die, a sharer in the follies of Las Casas!

Al. To him I should not need to urge the foul barbarities which drove me from your side; but I would gently lead him by the hand through all the lovely fields of Quito; there, in many a spot, where late was barrenness and waste, I would show him how now the opening blossom, blade, or perfumed hud, sweet bashful pledges of delicious harvest, wafting their incense to the ripening sun, give cheerful promise to the hope of industry. This, I would say, is my work! I would show bim many an eye, and many a hand, by gentleness from error won, raised in pure devotion to the true and only God!-this, too, I could tell him is Alonzo's work! Then would Las Casas clasp me in his aged arms; from his uplifted eyes a tear of gra ious thankfulness would fall upon my head, and that one blessed drop would be to me at once this world's best proof, that I had acted rightly here, and surest hope of my Creator's mercy and

reward hereafter.

Elv. Happy, virtuous Alonzo! And thou, Pizario, wouldst appal, with fear of death, a man who thinks and acts as he does?

Pis. Daring, obstinate enthusiast! But know,

the pious blessing of thy preceptor's tears does not avail thee here; he has fled like thee-like thee, no doubt, to join the foes of Spain. The perilous trial of the next reward thou hopest, is nearer than perhaps thou'st thought; for, by my country's wrongs, and by mine own, to-morrow's sun shall see thy death.

Elv. Hold!-Pizarro, hear me !-If not always justly, at least act always greatly. Name not thy country's wrongs-'tis plain they have no share in thy resentment. Thy fury 'gainst this youth is private hate, and deadly personal revenge; if this be so-and even now thy detected conscience in that look avows it-profane not the name of justice or thy country's cause, but let him arm, and bid him to the field on equal terms.

Pis. Officious advocate for treason-peace! Bear him hence--he knows his sentence.

[Retires back.

som of the deep? Have I not shared all thy perils heavy storms at sea, and frightful 'scapes on shore? Even on this dreadful day, amid the rout of battle, who remained firm and constant at Pizarro's side? Who presented her bosom as his shield to the assailing foe?

Piz. 'Tis truly spoken all. In love thou art thy sex's miracle-in war the soldier's pattern-and therefore my whole heart and half my acquisitions are thy right.

Elv. Convince me I possess the first-I exchange all title to the latter, for-mercy to Alonzo.

Piz. No more! Had I intended to prolong his doom, each word thou utterest now would hasten on his fate.

Elv. Alonzo then at morn will die?

Piz. Think'st thou yon sun will set! as surely at his rising shall Alonzo die.

Elv. Then be it done-the string is crackedsundered for ever. But mark me-thou hast here

Al. [To Piz.] Thy revenge is eager, and I'm thankful for it;-to me thy haste is mercy. [Totofore had cause, 'tis true, to doubt my resolution, ELV.] For thee, sweet pleader in misfortune's howe'er offended-but mark me now-the lips cause, accept my parting thanks. This camp is which, cold and jeering, barbing revenge with rannot thy proper sphere. Wert thou among yon sa-corous mockery, can insult a fallen enemy, shall vages, as they are called, thou'dst find companions never more receive the pledge of love: the arm more congenial to thy heart.

Piz. [Returns.] Yes; she shall bear the tidings | of thy death to Cora.

Al. Inhuman man! that pang at least might have been spared me: but thy malice shall not shake my constancy. I go to death-many shall bless, and none shall curse my memory. Thou still wilt live, and still wilt be-Pizarro. [Exit, guarded. Elv. Now, by the indignant scorn that burns upon my cheek, my soul is shamed and sickened at the meanness of thy vengeance.

Piz. What has thy romantic folly aimed at? He is mine enemy, and in my power.

Elv. He is in your power, and therefore is no more an enemy. Pizarro, I demand not of thee justice I ask not from thee nobleness of mind-I require only just dealing to the fame thou hast acquired: be not the assassin of thine wn renown. Do not act that which, howe'er thy present power may gloss it to the world, will make thee hateful to all future ages-accursed and scorned by posterity.

which, unshaken by its bloody purpose, shall assign to needless torture the victim who avows his heart, never more shall press the hand of faith! Pizarro, scorn not my words-beware thou slightest them not! I feel how noble are the motives which now animate my thoughts-who could not feel as I do, I condemn who, feeling so, yet would not act as I shall, I despise.

Pis. [With a smile of contempt.] I have heard thee, Elvira, and know well the noble motives which inspire thee, fit advocate in virtue's cause! Believe me, I pity thy tender feelings for the youth

Alonzo! He dies at sunrise!

[Erit.

Elv. 'Tis well! 'tis just I should be humble-[ had forgot myself, and in the cause of innocence assumed the tone of virtue. 'Twas fit I should be rebuked-and by Pizarro. Fall, fall, ye few reluctant drops of weakness-the last these eyes shall ever shed. How a woman can love, Pizarro, thou hast known too well-how she can hate, thou hast yet to learn. Yes, thou undaunted! Thou, whom yet no mortal hazard has appalled! Thou, who on Ps. And should posterity applaud my deeds, Panama's brow didst make alliance with the raging think'st thou my mouldering bones would rattle elements, that tore the silence of that horrid night then with transport in my tomb? This is renowu for when thou didst follow, as thy pioneer, the crashvisionary boys to dream of- understand it mot.ing thunder's drift, and, stalking o'er the trembling The fame I value shall uplift my living estimation -o'erbear with popular support the envy of my foes-advance my purposes, and aid my power.

Ele. Pizarro, thou no longer lov'st me.
Piz. It is not so, Elvira. But what might I not
suspect-this wond'rous interest for a stranger!
Take back thy reproach.

Elv. No, Pizarro; as yet I am not lost to thee-
one string still remains, and binds me to thy fate.
Do not, I conjure thee-do not, for mine own sake,
tear it asunder-shed not Alonzo's blood!
Piz. My resolution is fixed.

Ele. Even though that moment lost thee Elvira for ever?

Pis. Even so.

earth, didst plant thy banner by the red volcano's mouth! Thou, who when battling on the sea, and thy brave ship was blown to splinters, wast seenas thou didst bestride a fragment of the smoking wreck-to wave thy glittering sword above thy head-as thou wouldst defy the world in that extremity! Come, fearless man-now meet the last and fellest peril of thy life :-meet, and survive― an injured woman's fury, if thou canst! [Exit.

ACT IV.

Sentinel walking near.

Ele. Pizarro, if not to honour, if not to huma- SCENE 1.-A Dungeon.—ALONZO in chains.—A nity, yet listen to affection; bear some memory of the sacrifices I have made for thy sake. Have I not for thee quitted my parents, my friends, my fame, Al. For the last time, I have beheld the shamy native land? When escaping. did I not risk, dow'd ocean close upon the light. For the last in rushing to thy arms, to bury myself in the bo- time, through my cleft dungeon's roof, I now be

P

nold the quivering lustre of the stars. For the last time, oh, Sun! (and soon the hour) Ishall behold thy rising, and thy level beams melting the pale mists of morn to glittering dew-drops. Then comes my death, and in the morning of my day, I fall, which-No, Alonzo, date not the life which thou hast run, by the mean reck'ning of the hours and days which thou hast breathed: a life spent worthily should be measured by a nobler line; by deeds, not years. Then wouldst thou murmur not, but bless Providence, which in so short a span made thee the instrument of wide and spreading blessings, to the helpless and oppressed! Though sinking in decrepid age, he prematurely falls, whose memory records no benefit conferred by him on man. They only have lived long, who have lived virtuously. Enter a Soldier-shows the Sentinel a passport, who withdraws.

Al. What bear you there?

Sen. I have.

Rol. Hast thou children?

Sen. Four- honest, lovely boys.

Rol. Where didst thou leave them?

Sen. In my native village; even in the cot where myself was born.

Rol. Dost thou love thy children and thy wife? Sen. Do I love them!-God knows my heartI do.

Pol. Soldier! imagine thou wert doomed to die a cruel death in this strange land. What would be thy last request?

Sen. That some of my comrades should carry my dying blessing to my wife and children.

Rol. Oh! but if that comrade was at thy prison. gate, and should there be told-thy fellow soldier dies at sunrise, yet thou shalt not for a moment see him, nor shalt thou bear his dying blessing to his poor children or his wretched wife, what wouldst thou think of him who thus could drive thy

So.. These refreshments I was ordered to leave comrade from the door? in your dungeon. Sen. How!

Al. By whom ordered?

Sol. By the Lady Elvira; she will be here herself before the dawn.

Al. Bear back to her my humblest thanks; and ake thou the refreshments, friend. I need them

not.

Rol. Alonzo has a wife and child. I am come but to receive for her, and for her babe, the last blessing of my friend.

Sen. Go in. [Shoulders his spear, and walks away Rol. Oh, holy Nature: thou dost never plead in vain. There is not, of our earth, a creature bear

Sol. I have served under you, Don Alonzo. Par-ing form, and life, human or savage-native of the don my saying, that my heart pities you. [Exit. forest wild, of giddy air-around whose parent bo Al. In Pizarro's camp, to pity the unfortunate, som, thou hast not a cord entwined of power to tie no doubt, requires forgiveness. [Looking out.] them to their offspring's claims, and at thy will to Surely, even now, thin streaks of glimmering light draw them back to thee. On iron pinions borne, steal on the darkness of the cast. If so, my life is the blood-stained vulture cleaves the storm, yet but one hour more. I will not watch the coming is the plumage closest to her breast, soft as the dawn; but in the darkness of my cell, my last cygnet's down, and o'er her unshell'd brood the prayer to thee, Power Supreme! shall be for my murm'ring ring dove sits not more gently!-Yes, wife and child! Grant them to dwell in inno-now he is beyond the porch, barring the outer cence and peace, grant health and purity of mind gate! Alonzo Alonzo! my friend! Ha! In --all else is worth ess. [Enters the cavern. gentle sleep! Alonzo-rise! Sen. Who's there' answer quickly! who's there? Rol. [Within.] A friar come to visit your pri

Rol. I must speak with him.

Al. How! is my hour elapsed? Well, I am

ready.

Rol. Alonzo-know me.
Al. What voice is that?
Rol. 'Tis Rolla's.

[Takes off his disgrase Al. Rolla! my friend! [Embraces him.] Hea. vens!-how couldst thou pass the guard? Did this habit

Rol. There is not a moment to be lost in words:

Sen. You must not. [Stopping him with his spear. this disguise I tore from the dead body of a friar,

Rol. He is my friend.

Sen. Not if he were thy brother.

Rol. What is to be his fate?

Sen. He dies at sunrise.

Rol. Ha! Then I am come in time.

Sen. Just to witness his death.

Rol. Soldier, I must speak to him.
Sen. Back, back.-It is impossible.
Rol. I do entreat thee, but for one moment.
Sen. Thou entreat'st in vain-my orders are most

trict.

Rol. Even now, I saw a messenger go hence. Sen. He brought a pass which we are all accustomed to obey.

Rol. Look on this wedge of massive gold-look on thes precious gems. In thy own land they will be wealth for thee and thine-beyond thy hope or wish. Take them-they are thine. Let me bat pass one minute with Alonzo.

Sen. Away!--wouldst thou corrupt me? an old Castilian! I know my duty better. Rol Soldier!-hast thou a wife?

Me.

Rol. Will remain here in thy place.

Al. And die for me? No! Rather eternal tortures rack me.

Rol. I shall not die, Alonzo. It is thy life Pizarro seeks, not Rolla's; and from my prison soon will thy arm deliver me; or, should it be otherwise, I am as a blighted plantain, standing alone amid the sandy desert. Nothing seeks or lives beneath my shelter. Thou art-a husband and a father--the being of a lovely wife and helpless infant hangs upon thy life. Go! go, Alonzo! Go, to save, not thyself, but Cora and thy child!

Al. Urge me not thus, my friend; I had prepared to die in peace.

Rol. To die in peace! devoting her thou'st sworn to live for, to madness, misery, and death! For be assured the state I left her in forbids all hope, but from thy quick return.