SCENE I.--_A pleasant Indian country_.

_Enter_ CORTEZ, VASQUEZ, PIZARRO, _with Spaniards and Indians of their party_.

_Cort_. On what new happy climate are we thrown, So long kept secret, and so lately known; As if our old world modestly withdrew, And here in private had brought forth a new?

_Vasq._ Corn, oil, and wine, are wanting to this ground, In which our countries fruitfully abound; As if this infant world, yet unarrayed, Naked and bare in Nature's lap were laid. No useful arts have yet found footing here, But all untaught and savage does appear.

_Cort._ Wild and untaught are terms which we alone Invent, for fashions differing from our own; For all their customs are by nature wrought, But we, by art, unteach what nature taught.

_Piz_. In Spain, our springs, like old men's children, be Decayed and withered from their infancy: No kindly showers fall on our barren earth, To hatch the season in a timely birth: Our summer such a russet livery wears, As in a garment often dyed appears.

_Cort_. Here nature spreads her fruitful sweetness round, Breathes on the air, and broods upon the ground: Here days and nights the only seasons be; The sun no climate does so gladly see: When forced from hence, to view our parts, he mourns; Takes little journies, and makes quick returns.

_Vasq_. Methinks, we walk in dreams on Fairy-land, Where golden ore lies mixt with common sand; Each downfal of a flood, the mountains pour From their rich bowels, rolls a silver shower.

_Cort_. Heaven from all ages wisely did provide This wealth, and for the bravest nation hide, Who, with four hundred foot and forty horse, Dare boldly go a new-found world to force.

_Piz_. Our men, though valiant, we should find too few, But Indians join the Indians to subdue; Taxallan, shook by Montezuma's powers, Has, to resist his forces, called in ours.

_Vasq_. Rashly to arm against so great a king, I hold not safe; nor is it just to bring A war, without a fair defiance made.

_Piz_. Declare we first our quarrel; then invade.

_Cort_. Myself, my king's ambassador, will go; Speak, Indian guide, how far to Mexico?

_Ind_. Your eyes can scarce so far a prospect make, As to discern the city on the lake; But that broad causeway will direct your way, And you may reach the town by noon of day.

_Cort_. Command a party of our Indians out, With a strict charge, not to engage, but scout: By noble ways we conquest will prepare; First, offer peace, and, that refused, make war.

[_Exeunt_.