_Alvar._ You have mistaken me. I am a Christian. _Alhadra._ He deems, that we are plotting to ensnare him: 255 Speak to him, Lady--none can hear you speak, And not believe you innocent of guile. _Teresa._ If aught enforce you to concealment, Sir-- _Alhadra._ He trembles strangely. [_ALVAR sinks down and hides his face in his robe._ _Teresa._ See, we have disturbed him. [_Approaches nearer to him._ I pray you, think us friends--uncowl your face, 260 For you seem faint, and the night-breeze blows healing. I pray you, think us friends! _Alvar (raising his head)._ Calm, very calm! 'Tis all too tranquil for reality! And she spoke to me with her innocent voice, 265 That voice, that innocent voice! She is no traitress! _Teresa._ Let us retire (_haughtily to Alhadra_). _Alhadra._ He is indeed a Christian. _Alvar (aside)._ She deems me dead, yet wears no mourning garment! Why should my brother's--wife--wear mourning garments? 270 [_To TERESA._ Your pardon, noble dame! that I disturbed you: I had just started from a frightful dream. _Teresa._ Dreams tell but of the past, and yet, 'tis said, They prophesy-- _Alvar._ The Past lives o'er again In its effects, and to the guilty spirit 275 The ever-frowning Present is its image. _Teresa._ Traitress! (_Then aside._) What sudden spell o'ermasters me? Why seeks he me, shunning the Moorish woman? _Alvar._ I dreamt I had a friend, on whom I leant With blindest trust, and a betrothéd maid, 280 Whom I was wont to call not mine, but me: For mine own self seem'd nothing, lacking her. This maid so idolized, that trusted friend Dishonoured in my absence, soul and body! Fear, following guilt, tempted to blacker guilt, 285 And murderers were suborned against my life. But by my looks, and most impassioned words, I roused the virtues that are dead in no man, Even in the assassins' hearts! they made their terms, And thanked me for redeeming them from murder. 290 _Alhadra._ You are lost in thought: hear him no more, sweet Lady! _Teresa._ From morn to night I am myself a dreamer, And slight things bring on me the idle mood! Well sir, what happened then?