_Ordonio._ Tut! name it not. A sudden seizure, father! think not of it. As to this woman's husband, I do know him. I know him well, and that he is a Christian. _Monviedro._ I hope, my lord, your merely human pity 165 Doth not prevail---- _Ordonio._ 'Tis certain that he was a catholic; What changes may have happened in three years, I can not say; but grant me this, good father: Myself I'll sift him: if I find him sound, 170 You'll grant me your authority and name To liberate his house. _Monviedro._ Your zeal, my lord, And your late merits in this holy warfare Would authorize an ampler trust--you have it. _Ordonio._ I will attend you home within an hour. 175 _Valdez._ Meantime return with us and take refreshment. _Alhadra_. Not till my husband's free! I may not do it. I will stay here. _Teresa (aside)._ Who is this Isidore? _Valdez._ Daughter! _Teresa._ With your permission, my dear lord, 180 I'll loiter yet awhile t' enjoy the sea breeze. [_Exeunt VALDEZ, MONVIEDRO and ORDONIO._ _Alhadra._ Hah! there he goes! a bitter curse go with him, A scathing curse! You hate him, don't you, lady? _Teresa._ Oh fear not me! my heart is sad for you. 185 _Alhadra._ These fell inquisitors! these sons of blood! As I came on, his face so maddened me, That ever and anon I clutched my dagger And half unsheathed it---- _Teresa._ Be more calm, I pray you. _Alhadra._ And as he walked along the narrow path 190 Close by the mountain's edge, my soul grew eager; 'Twas with hard toil I made myself remember That his Familiars held my babes and husband. To have leapt upon him with a tiger's plunge, And hurl'd him down the rugged precipice, 195 O, it had been most sweet! _Teresa._ Hush! hush for shame! Where is your woman's heart? _Alhadra._ O gentle lady! You have no skill to guess my many wrongs, Many and strange! Besides, I am a Christian, And Christians never pardon--'tis their faith! 200 _Teresa._ Shame fall on those who so have shewn it to thee! _Alhadra._ I know that man; 'tis well he knows not me. Five years ago (and he was the prime agent), Five years ago the holy brethren seized me. _Teresa._ What might your crime be?