_Xim._ That was too much, Alphonso; shew the reverence That sons should bear to fathers. _Alph._ [_To her._] Did I not say, in any other mouth, The king excepted still? _Ram._ Had I a son, a son like your Alphonso, The pride of war, and darling of the field, I should not thus receive him, nor detract From such high actions. Let me tell you, sir, (For I, who felt his arm, can best report him) There lives not one, who breathes this vital air, That e'er could boast, he made Ramirez bend, Before Alphonso undertook the task. _Vera._ Confederacy again! How they enhance Their mutual worth, and bandy fame betwixt them, Into each other's hand!-- [_Looks on_ RAMIREZ, _and starts back_. What's this I see? Nay, now I wonder not, the captive prates With so secure presumption to his king. Well may he brave me, while his murdering sword Sits as before, insulting on his side.-- Who gave thee back that weapon? _Alph._ I, who took it. _Vera._ A careful son, to trust a foe with arms So near his father.--Haste, disarm the prisoner. _Alph._ Ere you dishonour me, first hear me speak: I took his royal word, to be my prisoner; And on his honour, I restored his sword, Because I thought, that mark of sovereign justice, And awful power, should not for one short moment Be wanting to a monarch. _Vera._ Then when he lost the power, he lost the claim, And marks of sovereign right; Nor without my consent, couldst thou dispose Of him, or of his sword, or of his life-- Once more, disarm him:--What, am I betrayed? [_Guards look amazed, but stir not._ Have I no subject left? _Xim._ Submit, Alphonso. I, who am partial to you, must condemn This carriage, as unduteous to your father. _Ram._ [_To_ ALPH.] Brave prince, too warmly you assert my cause, Though 'tis indeed the common cause of kings. But, to prevent what ills on my account May hence ensue betwixt a son and parent, Take here the sword, you trusted in my hands, Which you alone could take.--Now, Veramond, [_Presents his Sword to_ ALPHONSO. Dispose of old Ramirez as thou pleasest: [_He presents it sullenly to_ VERAMOND, _who puts it into the Hand of an Officer_. Secure thy hate, ambition, and thy fear, And give Ramirez death, who scorns a life Which he must owe to thee. _Vera._ [_To the Guards._] Go, bear him to the castle; at more leisure His doom shall be decreed. _Ram._ Whene'er it comes, 'tis welcome; only this,-- (If enemies be suffered to request) Forgive the imprudent zeal thy son has shown On my behalf, and take him to thy bosom; A noble temper shines even through his faults, And gilds them into virtues. _Vera._ Take him hence.