_Monviedro._ My lord, on strong suspicion of relapse To his false creed, so recently abjured, The secret servants of the Inquisition Have seized her husband, and at my command To the supreme tribunal would have led him, 115 But that he made appeal to you, my lord, As surety for his soundness in the faith. Though lessoned by experience what small trust The asseverations of these Moors deserve, Yet still the deference to Ordonio's name, 120 Nor less the wish to prove, with what high honour The Holy Church regards her faithful soldiers, Thus far prevailed with me that---- _Ordonio._ Reverend father, I am much beholden to your high opinion, Which so o'erprizes my light services. [_Then to ALHADRA._ 125 I would that I could serve you; but in truth Your face is new to me. _Monviedro._ My mind foretold me That such would be the event. In truth, Lord Valdez, 'Twas little probable, that Don Ordonio, That your illustrious son, who fought so bravely 130 Some four years since to quell these rebel Moors, Should prove the patron of this infidel! The warranter of a Moresco's faith! Now I return. _Alhadra._ My Lord, my husband's name 135 Is Isidore. (_ORDONIO starts._) You may remember it: Three years ago, three years this very week, You left him at Almeria. _Monviedro._ Palpably false! This very week, three years ago, my lord, (You needs must recollect it by your wound) 140 You were at sea, and there engaged the pirates, The murderers doubtless of your brother Alvar! What, is he ill, my Lord? how strange he looks! _Valdez._ You pressed upon him too abruptly, father! The fate of one, on whom, you know, he doted. 145 _Ordonio._ O Heavens! I?--I doted? Yes! I doted on him. [_ORDONIO walks to the end of the stage, VALDEZ follows._ _Teresa._ I do not, can not, love him. Is my heart hard? Is my heart hard? that even now the thought Should force itself upon me?--Yet I feel it! 150 _Monviedro._ The drops did start and stand upon his forehead! I will return. In very truth, I grieve To have been the occasion. Ho! attend me, woman! _Alhadra (to Teresa)._ O gentle lady! make the father stay, Until my lord recover. I am sure, 155 That he will say he is my husband's friend. _Teresa._ Stay, father! stay! my lord will soon recover. _Ordonio (as they return, to Valdez)._ Strange, that this Monviedro Should have the power so to distemper me! _Valdez._ Nay, 'twas an amiable weakness, son! 160 _Monviedro._ My lord, I truly grieve----