Chapter 42

_Enter CORTEZ alone, in a night-gown_.

_Cort_. All things are hushed, as nature's self lay dead; The mountains seem to nod their drowsy head; The little birds, in dreams, their songs repeat, And sleeping flowers beneath the night-dew sweat. Even lust and envy sleep; yet love denies Rest to my soul, and slumber to my eyes.-- Three days I promised to attend my doom, And two long days and nights are yet to come:-- 'Tis sure the noise of some tumultuous fight, [_Noise within_. They break the truce, and sally out by night.

_Enter_ ORBELLAN, _flying in the dark, his sword drawn_.

_Orb_. Betrayed! pursued! O, whither shall I fly? See, see! the just reward of treachery!-- I'm sure among the tents, but know not where; Even night wants darkness to secure my fear.

[_Comes near_ CORTEZ, _who hears him_.

_Cort_. Stand! who goes there?

_Orb_. Alas, what shall I say?-- [_Aside_. A poor Taxallan that mistook his way, And wanders in the terrors of the night.

_Cort_. Soldier, thou seem'st afraid; whence comes thy fright?

_Orb_. The insolence of Spaniards caused my fear, Who in the dark pursued me entering here.

_Cort_. Their crimes shall meet immediate punishment, But stay thou safe within the general's tent.

_Orb_. Still worse and worse.

_Cort_. Fear not, but follow me; Upon my life I'll set thee safe and free.

[CORTEZ _leads him in, and returns. To him_ VASQUEZ, PIZARRO, _and Spaniards with Torches_.

_Vasq_. O sir, thank heaven, and your brave Indian friend, That you are safe; Orbellan did intend This night to kill you sleeping in your tent: But Guyomar his trusty slave has sent, Who, following close his silent steps by night, Till in our camp they both approached the light, Cried-_Seize the traitor, seize the murtherer_! The cruel villain fled I know not where; But far he is not, for he this way bent.

_Piz_. The enraged soldiers seek, from tent to tent, With lighted torches, and in love to you, With bloody vows his hated life pursue.

_Vasq_. This messenger does, since he came, relate, That the old king, after a long debate, By his imperious mistress blindly led, Has given Cydaria to Orbellan's bed.

_Cort_. Vasquez, the trusty slave with you retain; Retire a while, I'll call you back again. [_Exeunt_ VASQ. _and_ PIZ. CORTEZ _at his tent door_. Indian, come forth; your enemies are gone, And I, who saved you from them, here alone.

_Enter ORBELLAN, holding his face aside_.

You hide your face, as you were still afraid: Dare you not look on him, who gave you aid?

_Orb_. Moon, slip behind some cloud, some tempest, rise, And blow out all the stars that light the skies, To shrowd my shame!

_Cort_. In vain you turn aside, And hide your face; your name you cannot hide: I know my rival and his black design.

_Orb_. Forgive it, as my passion's fault, not mine.

_Cort_. In your excuse your love does little say; You might, howe'er, have took a fairer way.

_Orb_. 'Tis true, my passion small defence can make; Yet you must spare me for your honour's sake, That was engaged to set me safe and free.

_Cort_. 'Twas to a stranger, not an enemy: Nor is it prudence to prolong thy breath, When all my hopes depend upon thy death; Yet none shall tax me with base perjury: Something I'll do, both for myself and thee; With vowed revenge my soldiers search each tent, If thou art seen, none can thy death prevent; Follow my steps with silence and with haste.