SCENE III.—_The Portuguese bank of the River.

_Enter the ADMIRAL of Portugal and DONNA LEONOR as from hunting._

_Adm._ Since summer’s fiery Sirius, fair cousin, Neither from place nor power in heaven declines, Will you not rest?

_Leonor._ Ah, what a noble sport Is hunting! who so abject-spirited As not to love its generous cruelty!

_Adm._ It is indeed a noble imitation Of noblest war. As when a white-tuskt boar Holds out alone against the yelling pack, Gores one, o’erthrows another, all the while Bristling his back like to some ridge of spears: While many a gallant hound, foil’d in his onset, Tears his own flesh in disappointed rage, Then to the charge again—he and his foe, Each with redoubled fury firing up: A chivalry that nature has implanted Ev’n in the heart of beasts.

_Leonor._ So in falconry, That I love even better; when the heron Mounts to the wandering spheres of air and fire, Poised between which alternately she burns And freezes, while two falcons, wheeling round, Strive to out-mount her, tilting all along The fair blue field of heaven for their lists; Until out-ris’n and stricken, drencht in blood, Plumb down she falls like to some crimson star; A rivalry that nature has implanted Ev’n in the breast of birds.

_Enter PEDRO._

_Ped._ Which is the way, I wonder? What with fright and weariness, I must rest awhile. Well, this is Portugal, where to be sure a poor Spanish pimp may hope to escape ferocious honour. That I should lose a post where others make their thousands at my first function! But who are these? Fine folks too! Pray Heaven they be in want of an officer.

_Adm._ A horse will soon carry you to the villa. Hark you, sir! (_To PEDRO._)

_Ped._ My lord!

_Adm._ Who are you?

_Ped._ Nay, how should I know?

_Adm._ But are you one of my people?

_Ped._ Yes, if you like it. As said Lord Somebody, who neither served king, man, or God, but who entering the palace one day at supper-time, and seeing all the chamberlains at work without their coats, whips off his, and begins carrying up dishes. Suddenly in comes the major-domo, who perceiving a stranger, asks if he be sworn of the service. ‘Not yet,’ says he, ‘but if swearing is all that’s wanted, I’ll swear to what you please.’ So ’tis with me. Make me your servant, and I’ll swear and forswear anything.

_Adm._ You are liberal of your humour.

_Ped._ ’Tis all I have to be liberal of; and it would not be right to spare that.

_Gil_ (_within_). Hold on, hold on!

_Leonor._ Who’s that?

_Adm._ Look, some one with erect head and vigorous arms, buffeting the wave before him.

_Leonor._ With another on his shoulders too.

_Adm._ (_to PEDRO_). Now, would you win an earnest of future favour, plunge in to his assistance.

_Ped._ I would, sir, but I’m a wretched swimmer.

_Leonor._ They have reacht the shore at last.

_Enter GIL PEREZ and ALONSO, drencht._

_Alon._ Thank Heaven for our escape!

_Gil._ Ah, we’re well quit of it.

_Ped._ Now, sir, if I can help. But Lord ha’ mercy! (_Sees GIL._)

_Adm._ What! going just when you are wanted?

_Ped._ I was born, my lord, with a tender heart; that seeing these poor fellows so drencht, bleeds for them. That he should pursue me even to Portugal! (_Is creeping away._)

_Adm._ What! only just come, and going?

_Ped._ Oh, my lord, a sudden call. Excuse me.

[_Exit._

_Adm._ ’Tis an idiot. But let me help you.

_Alon._ My life is in your hand.

_Adm._ In my hand? How is that?

_Alon._ You shall hear, if I may first know to whom I tell my story. Misfortune forces me to be cautious.

_Adm._ You are right; but need fear nothing from the Lord High Admiral of Portugal, who now speaks to you, and pledges himself to protect you so long as you stand on his estate.

_Alon._ Enough, my lord. My name is Don Alonso de Tordoya, Not un-illustrious in Spain. I love A noble lady; whom going to visit, When this same westering sun was young in heav’n, I found a rival with her. I rush’d out, Bidding him follow with his sword; he follow’d; We fought, and with two passes in his side I left him dead: the cry was after us; The officers of justice at my heels. No time to lose; I leap’d upon a horse, And rode, until a shot, aim’d at his rider, Kill’d him; then, taking to my feet, fled on, Till, coming to a country house, I saw, To my great joy, my friend—

_Gil._ Here enter I; Who, seeing Don Alonso so hard set, Offer’d my services to keep them back Till he was safe in Portugal. That country house of mine—a pleasure house Some call it, though I’ve found but little there— Stands in a narrow mountain gorge, through which He and the bloodhounds after him must pass To reach the river; as he says, he came, And saw, and fled; had scarce got fifty yards, Up comes the Sheriff with his yelling pack Panting and blowing. First most courteously I begg’d them spare themselves as well as him Further pursuit, but all in vain; push on They would; whereon I was obliged to draw; Disabled four or five, Heav’n help their souls! Till, having done as much as he to figure In justice’s black book, like him I fled After him to the river; where on finding The bridge occupied by the enemy, Catching my sword between my teeth, and him Upon my shoulders, I so dash’d in, And, at last, over; where now, thanks to Heav’n, We meet your Excellency, who vouchsafes Your shelter and protection.

_Adm._ Twas my word, And I’ll abide by ’t.

_Alon._ I have need Of all assurance, for the man I slew Was of great note.

_Adm._ His name?

_Alon._ Prefacing that he was a cavalier Of wholly noble parts and estimation, And that ’tis no disparagement to valour To be unfortunate, I may repeat it,— Don Diego d’Alvarado.

_Adm._ Wretched man! My cousin! you have slain him!

_Leonor._ You have slain My brother, traitor!

_Gil._ Oh, I see my sword Must e’en be out again.

_Alon._ Your Excellency Will pause before he draws his sword on one Surrender’d at his feet. My lord, remember I slew Don Diego in the face of day, In fair and open duel. And, beside, Is not your Excellency’s honour pledged To my security?

_Gil._ Beside all which, I say that if all Portugal, and all Within it, admiralty and army too, Combine, you shall not touch him while I live.

_Adm._ I know not what to do; upon one side My promise, on the other the just call Of retribution for my kinsman’s death. I must adjudge between them. Don Alonso, The word of Honour is inviolable, But not less so her universal law. So long as you stand upon ground of mine I hold your person sacred: for so far My promise holds; but set your foot beyond E’en but an inch—remember, death awaits you. And so farewell.

_Leonor._ Nay, hold! though you have pledged Your promise—

_Adm._ What I pledge is pledged for you, As for myself; content you.

[_Exeunt ADMIRAL and LEONOR._

_Alon._ Well, friend Gil, What say you to all this?

_Gil._ Why then, I say, At least ’tis better than it was. To-day The mouse, shut in the cupboard, there must stay: But will jump out to-morrow—if she may.

[_Exeunt._