She replied to the Queen: That she should never forget her obligations to that cavalier; and that not having it in her power to acknowledge them, otherwise than by her wishes, she hoped that it would not be his fate to be taken prisoner; or should he be so unfortunate, she trusted that he would meet with as kind treatment as she had experienced. The Queen, curious to hear what answer Don Alonso would make to this compliment, made no reply, to afford him an opportunity of speaking. But this young nobleman, whose quick repartees, on other occasions, had been much admired at Court, now stood confused, either because he felt too violently the emotions of love, or under restraint in the presence of the Queen. He replied only to Daraxa, that whatever misfortunes might befal him, he should consider himself but too happy under them, if he might presume to call himself her champion, and that the object of his visit was to solicit this honor. “This is a favor never refused in this country,” said the Queen, desirous of keeping up the conversation to gratify Zuniga, “and Daraxa will surely find more reasons than one for granting this request.” “Madam,” answered the beautiful Moor, “I should be well content to have for my champion a man of Don Alonso’s high birth and accomplishments; but if the laws of Chivalry are the same among the Christians as with us Moors, how can I thus strongly interest myself in favor of a warrior who hears arms against my country?” Although the Queen felt the force of this reply, she did not therefore conclude here, but represented to her fair prisoner, that this was a particular case; that she need have no scruple in feeling an interest and participating in the glory and fortune of a cavalier, to whom she was under such obligations as would be more than a sufficient excuse for her; and that she would thereby engage Don Alonso to treat the Moors that might fall into his power, more kindly. Zuniga was overjoyed to find the Queen espouse his cause with so much earnestness: and Daraxa, fearing that she might betray herself if she persisted in refusing the Queen’s request, thought it more advisable to make no further answer, since silence might imply that she did not object to what was desired of her.