_Xim._ Forbear this language, sir, or I am dumb. It seems that you deserved not him you had, For in seven days heaven ravished your Alphonso; My sister's little Veramond survived, And she's a living witness of this truth. Great was my grief, but greater was my fear, From your, alas! too much experienced anger. Thus low reduced, and urged by anxious thoughts Of what I might expect from your unkindness,-- Now, speak, Ramirez, and relate the rest; For my tongue faulters, and denies its office, So much I fear my lord should take offence. _Ram._ Then, like or disapprove it, thus it was: She told my wife and me this mournful story; Her fears, for thy resentment of thy loss, If, by misfortune, it should reach thy ears, Begged secrecy, and then implored our aid To substitute the living for the dead, And make our Veramond pass for thy Alphonso. A hard request, but, with compassion moved, At length twas granted. _Vera._ Is this true, Ximena? _Xim._ So heaven and you forgive my pious fraud, As what he says is certain. _Alph._ O joyful news! Oh happy day! too good To end in night--My father, and my king!\ [_Runs to_ RAMIREZ, _kneels to him, and kisses his hand_. My soul foreknew you, with a sure presage Of native duty, and instinctive love. _Ram._ Arise, my son. _Vera._ You own him, then? _Ram._ I do. _Vera._ A welcome riddance. Meantime, in prospect of a double crown, You gave the sparrow leave to brood upon The cuckoo's egg. _Ram._ The advantage was to you: He proved his blood upon me, when we fought; Fierce eagles never procreate fearful doves. I sent him word he was my son before The battle, but the hand of fate was in it, The note miscarried, and we blindly met. _Xim._ Past accidents embitter both your minds; Think forward on your mutual interest. Alphonso loves Victoria: I saw it in the seeds, before disclosed To other eyes; connived at it, approved it. _Vera._ A most commodious mother! _Xim._ Blame me not. Guilt there was none, but in their apprehension; And both their virtues barred ill consequences. Now take the blest occasion by the foretop, And on their marriage found a lasting peace. _Ram._ A trivial accident begot this war; Some paltry bounds of ill distinguished earth, A clod that lay betwixt us unascertained, And royal pride, on both sides, drew our swords: Thus monarchs quarrel, and their subjects bleed. Remove your land-marks, set them where you please; Stretch out your Arragon on my Castile; And be once more my brother.