_San._ He was fairly killed, I must confess; but I can give you a better account of his lordship afterwards. _Lop._ You? why, who are you? _San._ Nay, I am he too. _Mess._ You see he's a counterfeit; and so is the other. _Lop._ 'Tis too true. _Dal._ Did the Conde leave me nothing in his will? _Mess._ Not a cross, madam. _Dal._ There's the same payment for your news; be gone, poor fellow. [_Exit Messenger._ _Carl._ At least I have the satisfaction, that he's discovered as well as I am. [_Throwing off some part of his disguise._] Now, Sancho, you are welcome to the discovery of your fine intrigue. _Lop._ Then, Sancho, I make good my word to you; since the Conde is dead, you stand fairest for my daughter;--and you, cousin Carlos, with your wit and your poverty, are in _statu quo._--Come away, son-in-law, and leave the forsaken lover to make himself a willow garland. [_Exeunt_ SANCHO, LOPEZ, _and_ DALINDA. _Carl._ Yet if I could hinder Sancho from marrying her, I should make myself some satisfaction. I'll think on't farther; and something comes into my head already. [_Stands musing._ _Enter_ ALPHONSO. _Alph._ Now, Carlos, what make you here in this disguise? I have been looking for you at least half an hour. _Carl._ Only a masquerade, sir; an innocent diversion in times of peace. _Alph._ No, Carlos, these are times of war, not peace. I must abruptly tell you what is past: I am Ramirez's son, not Veramond's; I love Victoria, and for her am banished. _Carl._ Just my own condition: I have had a revolution in my small affairs too; I am banished, and going to look for the next commodious tree to make a wry face upon it. _Alph._ I know you brave; and, if you love me still, Follow my fortune: yours shall be my care. Our army lies encamped without the walls; Your regiment is quartered in the town: I think I can with ease revolt the troops, Because they love me; and, with their assistance Release my father, and redeem my mistress; While you and yours, at an appointed signal, Procure me entrance. _Carl._ Right; and force the gate---- _Alph._ That's all I ask: I think myself as worthy To wed Victoria, as this foreign prince. But, if you find reluctance to this action, Now speak, that I may seek some other friend. _Carl._ No, sir; I shall never break with you for so small a matter as a rebellion. I warrant you for my soldiers; they'll never flinch, when there's a town to plunder. _Alph._ The signal and the time shall be concerted; Victoria be the word---- That happy name our bold attempt shall bless, And give an omen of assured success. [_Exeunt severally._ ACT IV. SCENE I. SCENE I.--_A Street, with a Temple at a distance._ _Enter_ GARCIA, _with a Letter in his hand_; XIMENA, _and_ CELIDEA. _Gar._ May I believe you, 'tis Victoria's hand? For 'tis a strange request.