_Valdez._ The sober truth is all too much for me! I see no sail which brings not to my mind The home-bound bark in which my son was captured 65 By the Algerine--to perish with his captors! _Teresa._ Oh no! he did not! _Valdez_. Captured in sight of land! From yon hill point, nay, from our castle watch-tower We might have seen---- _Teresa._ His capture, not his death. _Valdez._ Alas! how aptly thou forget'st a tale 70 Thou ne'er didst wish to learn! my brave Ordonio Saw both the pirate and his prize go down, In the same storm that baffled his own valour, And thus twice snatched a brother from his hopes: Gallant Ordonio! O beloved Teresa, 75 Would'st thou best prove thy faith to generous Alvar, And most delight his spirit, go, make thou His brother happy, make his aged father Sink to the grave in joy. _Teresa._ For mercy's sake Press me no more! I have no power to love him. 80 His proud forbidding eye, and his dark brow, Chill me like dew-damps of the unwholesome night: My love, a timorous and tender flower, Closes beneath his touch. _Valdez._ You wrong him, maiden! You wrong him, by my soul! Nor was it well 85 To character by such unkindly phrases The stir and workings of that love for you Which he has toiled to smother. 'Twas not well, Nor is it grateful in you to forget His wounds and perilous voyages, and how 90 With an heroic fearlessness of danger He roam'd the coast of Afric for your Alvar. It was not well--You have moved me even to tears. _Teresa._ Oh pardon me, Lord Valdez! pardon me! It was a foolish and ungrateful speech, 95 A most ungrateful speech! But I am hurried Beyond myself, if I but hear of one Who aims to rival Alvar. Were we not Born in one day, like twins of the same parent? Nursed in one cradle? Pardon me, my father! 100 A six years' absence is a heavy thing, Yet still the hope survives---- _Valdez (looking forward)._ Hush! 'tis Monviedro. _Teresa._ The Inquisitor! on what new scent of blood? _Enter MONVIEDRO with ALHADRA._ _Monviedro._ Peace and the truth be with you! Good my Lord, 105 My present need is with your son. We have hit the time. Here comes he! Yes, 'tis he. [_Enter from the opposite side DON ORDONIO._ My Lord Ordonio, this Moresco woman (Alhadra is her name) asks audience of you. _Ordonio._ Hail, reverend father! what may be the business? 110