_Ordonio._ The slave begins to soften. [_Aside._ You are my friend, 'He that can bring the dead to life again,' Nay, no defence to me! The holy brethren Believe these calumnies--I know thee better. Thou art a man, and as a man I'll trust thee! 95 _Alvar (aside)._ Alas! this hollow mirth--Declare your business. _Ordonio._ I love a lady, and she would love me But for an idle and fantastic scruple. Have you no servants here, no listeners? [_ORDONIO steps to the door._ _Alvar._ What, faithless too? False to his angel wife? 100 To such a wife? Well might'st thou look so wan, Ill-starr'd Teresa!----Wretch! my softer soul Is pass'd away, and I will probe his conscience! _Ordonio._ In truth this lady lov'd another man, But he has perish'd. _Alvar._ What! you kill'd him? hey? 105 _Ordonio._ I'll dash thee to the earth, if thou but think'st it! Insolent slave! how dar'dst thou-- [_Turns abruptly from ALVAR, and then to himself._ Why! what's this? 'Twas idiotcy! I'll tie myself to an aspen, And wear a fool's cap-- _Alvar._ Fare thee well--[845:1] I pity thee, Ordonio, even to anguish. [_ALVAR is retiring._ _Ordonio._ Ho! [_Calling to ALVAR._ 110 _Alvar._ Be brief, what wish you? _Ordonio._ You are deep at bartering--You charge yourself At a round sum. Come, come, I spake unwisely. _Alvar._ I listen to you. _Ordonio._ In a sudden tempest Did Alvar perish--he, I mean--the lover-- 115 The fellow---- _Alvar._ Nay, speak out! 'twill ease your heart To call him villain!--Why stand'st thou aghast? Men think it natural to hate their rivals. _Ordonio._ Now, till she knows him dead, she will not wed me. _Alvar._ Are you not wedded, then? Merciful Heaven! 120 Not wedded to Teresa? _Ordonio._ Why, what ails thee? What, art thou mad? why look'st thou upward so? Dost pray to Lucifer, Prince of the Air? _Alvar._ Proceed. I shall be silent. _Ordonio._ To Teresa? Politic wizard! ere you sent that message, 125 You had conn'd your lesson, made yourself proficient In all my fortunes. Hah! you prophesied A golden crop! Well, you have not mistaken-- Be faithful to me and I'll pay thee nobly. _Alvar._ Well! and this lady! 130 _Ordonio._ If we could make her certain of his death, She needs must wed me. Ere her lover left her, She tied a little portrait round his neck, Entreating him to wear it. _Alvar._ Yes! he did so!