SCENE I.— On one side of the stage a flight of steps, with a Portico leading to the Temple of the Sun.—In the back­ground the sea. Time, sun-rise.

SOUL of the universe, who from they glittering throne beamest immortal splendour, as thou hast permitted the stars for their appointed hour to bespangle the veil of night, now o'erwhelm all manner of glories in the greatness of thy efful­gence, and be once more welcom'd by thy de­voted servants to delight and bless the world!—Catalpo, conduct hither the virgin destined to re­ceive a priestess' sacred office.

Mighty chief!

Rise, good Solasco.

I here present the darling of my age to be devoted to the service of our god. It will be worse than parting with my life to lose the com­forts of her dear society—but the bright sun, our glorious deity, demands such excellence to be consigned alone to do him honour.—Pardon, my king, an old man's tears; but nature will not al­ways, without a struggle, yield to duty.

Thou hast, indeed, devoted to thy god a precious treasure; but tell me, Cora, can thy youthful mind freely resign the livelier joys of social life, and rest contented in seclusion and tranquillity?

My father's will has ever sway'd my thoughts, from the first hour that infant sense cou'd learn obedience:—Should he doom my death, his mandate would be met with equal re­signation.

Thy pious mind, which knows to yield such duty to a father, will well befit the ser­vice of thy god.—But hear the sacred tenour of the law which binds a priestess to her duty.— Should the heart, to heaven devoted, become the prey of sacrilegious love, our law consigns its priestess, and the accomplice of her guilt, to in­stant death. Her parents and their offspring are pledges for her faith, and should her flight elude offended justice, their forfeit lives must expiate her crime.

Now to the altar, and record your vows; then, as our custom is, come forth to shine Queen of this festive day, [Page 3]the last you are to know exempt from sacred duty.

Great chief, behold what envious clouds obscure the glories of our god.

Say, Catalpo, what mean these bo­dings!

And lo!—What monster's that, whose wings bear it buoyant on the angry main?

See!—From its throat thunder and fire burst forth, seeming to brave high heaven.

Be not dismay'd—summon our war­riors.

Catalpo, let the priests attend.

SCENE II. The Country.

My people, we'll to the shore— Should they prove mortal foes, we'll meet their thunders, or if the engines of infernal power, what can virtue fear?—Trust me, the Deity we serve, will re-assume his splendour, and protect his chosen people.

SCENE III. A View of an Indian Country.

SCENE IV. The Sea Coast.

First, to high Heaven, who thus, with never-fading honour, hath crown'd its poorest servant, let me pour forth a heart o'erwhelm'd with gratitude. And now begin the important work which heaven has delegated to us—Erect the sacred banner of our faith.

Brave associates! join with me in praise of him, who hath atchiev'd what ignorance, with sapient shrug, and satisfied, benumbing prudence derided as the chimera of a madman's fancy: falling at his feet, let us be proud in being first to pay due homage to such surpassing excellence.

Rise, rise;—rather, my Alonzo, in these arms receive my thanks, thou, next to heaven, my firmest friend. Ye men of Spain, let what has passed admonish you in what may be to come—keep in your minds the time when we had gained the course which shut out the eastern world; how you beat your breasts, op­pressed [Page 5]with fear and superstition—How, with womanish tears, you bade adieu to life, and blub­bered out a requiem for your souls; then em­bracing desperation instead of fortitude, I was to be your sacrifice; and this body, which has been your conduct to wealth and honour, you would have given to the sea, and ignorance and cow­ardice would have triumphed.

Mighty Sir, forgive us!

Freely, good Valverdo—Let the man stand forth, who, at a time so fraught with peril, first discovered land.

It was my good fortune.

Thou art not a Spaniard.

No, your Excellency, I am an Eng­lishman; and tho' we Englishmen are an odd, whimsical set of fellows, yet we generally con­trive (and I trust ever shall) to keep a good look out a-head when our superior is in danger.

Tell me your fortunes.

My name is Harry Herbert; I am de­scended from as respectable and independent an ancestor as the world can boast, — an English yeo­man; but the civil wars leaving my family little, which my imprudence soon made less, I thought that, altho' King Henry was deprived of the honour of this enterprize, that did not preclude his subjects; so I shipped myself off for Castille, where I had just time and cash enough to fall a dozen times in love, and into other serapes, be­fore I had the honour of embarking on board your Excellency's squadron.

Herbert, thou dost honour to thy country.

Then, Sir, I am glad, that for once I [Page 6]am even with it; for I am sure my country does honour to me.

Behold a crowd of people, many of whom seem clad in sacred vestments—Their dress and standards bespeak them greatly civilized, and full of wealth.

Strangers, who seem to be above the race of mortals, instruct us how to honour you—If you be children of the Sun, behold our priests, who with perfumes and libations, will welcome you to his holy temple; or, if human, here are fruits to feed you, dwell­ings to shelter you, and garments to clothe you.

Chief, you behold in us the children of mortality; but the power we serve, in his high mercy, has bestowed upon us superior gifts; thus, thro' unknown seas to brave the imperious surge, and to construct engines which can sweep thousands from the earth—But that Deity com­mands us to proclaim his name with peace—The King, our master, wishes to enrich thee and him­self —this hardy metal, useful in all the purposes of life, he will exchange for those thy country may produce.

'Tis very strange—Thy King much wrongs himself—all we have to render is our gold, but that we find so yielding, and so useless, it were an injury to offer it—Indulge the curiosity of a stranger.

Oft has a tender glance escap'd my eye, impell'd by Beauty's power, and from my bosom [Page 7]the soft sigh instinctively has stolen—Many a fair Castilian has enforced this test of admiration, but now my every sense seems drawn by power magnetic to that lovely saint—Permit me, fairest creature, to express my admiration at the charms which now present themselves—tho' all the won­ders of a new discovered world display their rival novelties, yet, now that I behold its first of won­ders, all else exacts from me as little notice, as I, I fear, have power or merit to command from you.

Strange you wrong yourself, and hold me unskilful to distinguish, when you suppose desert like yours can pass unnoticed—Your praises of the humble Cora, tho' they have caused no vain emotion, yet ever will the mind receive with plea­sure, praise e'en unmerited, when 'tis bestowed by those who claim our admiration.

All that the warmest fancy can depict in the bright colours of ideal excellence, can never reach that exquisite perfection nature ex­hibits —how must I bless my happy fortune, that bore me to a clime which boasts an or­nament like thee.

What new emotion rises in my breast—I fear to ask my heart from whence it springs. Oh, Cora! think of thy sacred duty— think of the vow which pass'd thy lips so lately.— Stranger, tho' sacred hospitality commanded me to pay this courtesy, yet now a higher duty en­joins me to desist from further converse.

Let me entreat one instant—

It must not be—my conduct is controlled by rigid laws. Farewell.—Oh Cora, what days of wretchedness art thou doom'd to suffer!

What cou'd she mean? "Her con­duct is controlled by rigid laws"—If she be des­tined to another, my lot is misery.

In harmony and peace I rule a free and happy people, and I were unworthy of my kingdom, did I not endeavour to the utmost to convert the name of stranger into friend.

And so, my pretty Indian, you live very happily.

Yes, all the day long.

And have you no monks who pray for you, dispute with you, and burn you alive when you don't think as they do?

Oh! no.

Poor devils, what a way they must be in.

Don't you come from the other world?

What, you see something angelic about me, eh!—Yes, my love, I come from a little paradise, call'd England.

Is England a world?

A bit of one; but, little as it is, it somehow contrives to manage all the rest.— Shou'd you like to live in England?

O yes; I suppose English women, arm'd with spears made of that pretty, hard iron, climb the mountains, and destroy the wild bull.

Destroy the wild bull! No, my dear; our English women find prettier amusement in [Page 9]encouraging the breed of horned cattle—the use of the pretty, hard iron is confined to the men, and no great favourite there; for I know many flourishers of spontoons, who have a cursed antipathy to cold iron.—Who is that elegant creature you were conversing with?

Her name is Cora; she was this day ad­mitted a priestess of the Sun.—The handsomest virgins are always selected to sustain that sacred office.

The handsomest! you were then, on that account, not—

Did I say the handsomest? Oh dear, I mean they select the most sedate—for, from this day she must never leave the temple, or converse with any except the priests.

Except the priests! Go where you will, you find those gentlemen always contrive to be well taken care of—would you like to be­come a priestess?

Last night perhaps I should.

Charming sensibility! and may I, my sweet girl, interpret that sigh in my favour?

Ah, you will not love me.

Not love thee!—By Magna Charta, I'll resign my life, fortune, and liberty to thee.— besides, I'll bring thee beads, cloathes, music—

Ah, that is not love.—They only try to please the eye, who find their actions cannot touch the heart.—no presents or toys could in­fluence Nelti.—no, not if you were to give her an iron javelin and a tame tiger.

Indeed!—very delicate presents for a young lady.

I wish I cou'd make him love me— how do women in England gain their lover's hearts?

Generally by using them like dogs.— for, when a woman studiously avoids looking at [Page 10]a man, abuses him on all occasions, and is kind to every one else, we naturally conclude they love each other to distraction.

I never can find in my heart to use him ill—What ugly thing is that?

A doctor of physic, who having killed all his patients in the old world, except his wife, who wou'd never take his medicines, has ven­tured hither, in pursuit of new patients, new fees, and perhaps a new bed-fellow.

And what's the other?

A lawyer and a coxcomb.

What's a coxcomb?

A reptile, my dear, that is found in abundance in all countries, and yet is not easily described—it is a kind of mongrel, which men drive from them, because they hardly consider it as belonging to them, and the women won't re­ceive, because they think it won't breed.

All seems pretty quiet.—I say, Bri­bon—

What do you say, Doctor Dolores?

This seems cursed mild, wholesome, unprofitable air for a physician.—But heaven is merciful, wherever I go, patients increase.

There seems plenty of gold, and plen­ty of gold, plenty of law, follows as naturally as a bill of costs.—I say, Doctor, do you see that sweet, pretty, wealthy-looking girl—

I fancy I shall have some pretty fe­male practice here.—I was a great favourite in Spain; for my maxim was, always to stick to my friends to the last.

Doctor, welcome to the new world.— So, you kept on board till all was quiet.

To be sure—consider the importance of my life to you all; but my chief reason was, that the famous astrologer, Doctor Diego Diab­lasco, told me something ill would happen if I were rash—but there seems no danger—that's a very pretty girl, and I love a fine young girl, al­most as much as I do fine old gold

And have you, Doctor, so soon forgot your old helpmate in Valladolid?

Ah, poor old Dorothy! But, Lord, I hate constancy as much as I hate health

Permit me, sweetest of savages, to enquire after the state of your health—how is your pulse? let me feel how it beats—beats.—

Feel how it beats? Perhaps it beats harder than you think

Then there's the more necessity I should feel it, my pretty, pretty—

There, then.

Zounds! a dozen such patients wou'd do for me!

Doctor, I hope to be honoured with the hand of this charming girl.

Oh, with all my heart—I'm sure I've had enough of it—but you can't marry her.

Why, thou professor of the glorious art of manslaughter?

Because the Pope allows no religious ceremonies with hereticks—all dealings with them must be in the way of plunder and glorious in­trigue.

The Pope! pshaw—I shall sit down here for life, contented with a little—I'll build a neat, convenient house, after the fashion of the country, with a plain silver door, and a diamond knocker. The apartments shall be merely lined [Page 12]with plates of gold, neatly carved—the sophas of silver tissue, and stuffed with the down of hum­ming-birds —As for fresco-work of emeralds, ru­bies, pearls, amethysts, and such nicknacks, my wife may ornament her dairy and dressing-room with them—in short, I'll have every thing in a snug, comfortable way, without shew or expence

Without shew or expence!—Pray, great Sir, —will you allow a poor man to gather up the chips, and now and then take a peep into your golden apartments?

Why, Dolores, by the time I build, I fancy you'll have a snug leaden apartment of your own—so, go count beads instead of ducats, and try not to cheat young Harry out of his mistress, but old Harry out of your soul.

Zounds! let's follow; for who knows, but in a minute, these savages may knock my brains out, with one of your shin-bones.

Come along—Oh, I wish I had the doctoring of you for a week, you English mastiff.

SCENE I.— The Spanish Camp.

UNGRATEFUL men, thus, in a moment, to destroy my brightest hopes.—see them closely guarded.

Roldan, would thou think it, those wretches (dead to prudence as to honor) have damn'd the name of Spaniard, they have reviled the Indian priests, and with unmanly outrage, have torn away the golden ornamen's that decked the love­ly breasts of innocence.—The men, exasperated, call to the Cacique for vengeance; I, at the ha­zard of my life must follow, and appease his just resentment.

Shall then a brave Castilian be dis­graced with bonds, for shewing disrespect to vile idolatry?

No, Valverdo.—Soon shall this up­start Genoese, Columbus, feel the just vengeance of insulted Spain

—My brother in ambition, look on this paper.

What's this—the royal signature?

Mark me.—When our gracious Queen embraced the fortunes of this foreign Viceroy, [Page 14]even proffered her regal ornaments to equip his fleet, the minister, Fonesca, jealous of the fame that might attend this enterprise, worked on the fears of the suspicious Ferdinand, to execute this commission of control, which, now Columbus' conduct gives pretence, arrays me with the power of crushing his authority, and with disgrace re­turning him to Spain.

Glorious hearing!

Do thou, Valverdo, tamper with the troops, —press on their superstitious minds the in­jury our faith will suffer by winking at idolatry; tell them, the way to sudden wealth is easy, had they a fit commander—insinuate—but we waste words—about it, good Valverdo.

'Twere presumption to instruct a monk in wiles of glozing cozenage.

The fatal wound is given to all my hopes—what years of bliss had my soul fondly pictured as Alon­zo's lot—Oh, lovely Cora, must then thy beau­ties never more beam their bright radiance on me? —Had'st thou been doom'd to fill another's arms, I had indeed been cursed, but not so deeply; for I might still have gazed upon thy heavenly form —have listened to the sweet melody of thy loved voice, and known delight even in misery—But all is gloomy horror now before me.

I hope I not untimely interrupt your meditations.

Roldan, the conduct of these Indians obscures our European virtues, and we are come to be instructed, not to teach—The good Colum­bus has appeased their just resentment, and, at the request of Orozimbo, consents to liberate the prisoners.

'Tis well [shews a plan of attack] but as we must secure a place of safety (for it were madness to repose confidence in savages) here have I drawn a plan which must render the town an easy capture.

The town a capture!

Dost thou not understand me?

I hope I do not.

There is no safety but in their destruc­tion.

Roldan, thou surely can'st not be so damn'd as think it—What, stab the fond heart which overflows with love and adoration for thee— trample down sacred hospitality, and erect the throne of treachery and murder—by the great God of justice, first thro' this body thou must force thy way, thou traitor to humanity.

Soft-hearted fool, these mawkish vir­tues have ever been the sainted garb of cowards.

Coward!

Thanks to the God, this arm receiv'd the stroke that wou'd have slain thee.

Good youth, thou bleed'st—Pray take all care of him

Roldan, if yet thou need'st a stimulus to virtue, look on that Indian, and in the name of heaven, stain not thy honour and thy man­hood with treachery and ingratitude.

Fortune permits thee now to school me—but, boy, thou shalt feel my power; go to the Viceroy, tell him that Roldan lacketh bro­therly affection for the poor Indians, and add (for by the power of vengeance it is true) that Rol­dan is his covenanted foe—that he hath given [Page 16]freedom to those Castilians he dared disgrace with bonds, and that, by thee, he greets his Excellency with defiance and contempt.

Perfidious, bloody villain! Oh, my friends, dangers I fear await you—I blush to say we have among us those whose vileness your pure nature cannot image. Let us prepare to meet the worst—summon your warriors, while I in­struct them how best to guard each place of 'van­tage—and should this Roldan attempt to execute his villainous intent, depend on the protection of Columbus.

SCENE II. A Retired Place.

All happiness is mingled with alloy— I've triumphed over every opposition malice and folly raised to check my glory—I, now, in Eu­rope's eye shall stand arrayed in all the honours which success commands— those, who if acci­dent had thwarted my reason-founded schemes would with important ignorance have scoffed at the silly vague projector—will now, with pane­gyric full as thoughtless, admire my courage, and applaud my prescience—yet, when I have at­tained the summit of my wishes, when I shou'd give some little rest to my care-worn mind, which long has struggled with adversity; when I might contemplate with joy, the virtues I have found in this new world, virtues more rare than all the riches it abounds in, —I sind I have conducted to this hapless spot, hearts black with discontent, and factious jealousy, thirsting for plunder and for blood! But if determined rigour—virtuous example—

May it please your Excellency—I beg your excuse;—but I am so choaked with rage, and breathless with running, that I have scarce power to tell you—your troops have mu­tinied.

Mutinied! Explain.

Roldan, Sir, that—but I know a sol­dier's duty too well, to speak ill of a superior officer, or I'd tell your Excellency what a cursed inhuman scoundrel I think him—Their villainy and ingratitude is beyond belief—they murmur that you won't give them leave to cut the throats of these innocent Indians—They call for Roldan to head them, and I'll do him the justice to say, he would let them indulge in such pretty, harmless diversion, as long as there was a throat left in the country.

This demands my instant presence— Herbert, in half an hour, attend me at the camp.

Oh, if I had that Roldan in England, I'd hang him up without judge or jury—tho', on recollection, I have fixed on the worst place in the world for hanging folks up, because a great man like me wills it— but now for vengeance— and yet I don't know how it happens, that al­tho' in some things I am a tolerably active, in­dustrious fellow, yet when I have to seek re­venge, I grow so infernally lazy I can scarce find in my heart to set about it.

SCENE III.— The Sea Coast—a boat stationed.

May I trust that look propitious—Oh, let thy words confirm it—how hast thou pros­pered with the soldiers?

They more than met my wishes, and the dastard few, whom conscience kept in doubt, I soon won over by the stimulus of plun­der, spiced with our Church's dispensation—in a word, they have all sworn, that on a signal given, they will desert Columbus.

And in an hour, to a fairer promiser, wou'd they abandon me.—It mads me that I must climb the heights of proud ambition on the shoulders of such a crew of mongrels.—My de­sign is to send Columbus, loaded with chains and accusation, a prisoner to Spain, and with him, those hen-hearted fools, whose superstitious scru­ples might prove troublesome.

With deference to your happier po­licy, do you not risk by this the wrath of Isabella?

Not a whit. For, unless Valverdo, thou hast made some saint thy enemy, who, in mere spite, may work for them a miracle, they'll not fatigue the royal ear with much complain­ing. —To be plain, the vessel which shall convey them hence, is so strained, crazy, and unfit for service, she cannot weather out the slightest storm, therefore, the first rude wind that blows, will send them to explore another world.—But hark, that trumpet speaks Columbus.—Now, fortune, be my friend.

Roldan, what means this outrage, this treason to thy King? Why spur on to des­peration and rebellion, your few mistaken fol­lowers, whom my power, did I not abhor revenge, could in an instant sweep from the earth?

Columbus, on thee let me retort the name of traitor.—I stand here, chosen by the general voice, the avenger of their wrongs.— 'Tis thee they charge with treason to their King, assert thou wink'st at heresy, and hast made them the slaves of savages.—How dost thou answer?

Answer to thee?—Roldan, press not my patience farther.—But to convince thee, trai­tor, how false are thy aspersions, and that I reign sovereign in my people's love—mark me, be this the test.

Let all, who do not in their hearts believe I mean them fairly, and judge thee worthier to command them, pass that jave­lin without fear or doubt.—Be that the barrier betwixt my influence and thine.

Much it glads me thou hast proffered so fair a trial; and I swear, if they approve thee, I will resign into thy hand my sword and life.

Now, my brave soldiers, hear my firm intent; I will lead you on to wealth, but not by massacre; I'll make you all, the wonders of the world, rich and beloved.—Then, without controul, decide your fate; but, remember, —you have but one step to make from honor to dis­grace.

Be it so—men without hearts are not worth regretting.

Great Sir, accept my humble services. —despise not him, who honours you—pray ex­cuse these tears—let me embrace your knees.

My heart! my heart!—Herbert, thy gratitude unmans me,

Now, Columbus, look on that paper; by it thou'lt find thy King distrusted thee

And pray you all remember, I ex­erted not the high authority of which my sove­reign thought me worthy, 'till he was deserted, and despised.

Peace, fiery indignation;—down re­bel heart, —and do not choak my utterance.— Well, Viceroy,

where are your racks, —your instruments of vengeance?

Oh, do not fear—we mean no torture.

And think'st thou, villain, the sub­tilest inquisitor, who has out-damn'd his fellows in inventive cruelty, could give a pang like that I feel, in seeing thee possessed of power to make the happy wretched?—Oh my poor Indians, who shall now defend you, when this traitor, fit leader of his band of daemons, like the arch-fiend, new lighted on a world of innocence, shall diffuse his devilish spirit, and extend hell's empire.

Bring forth his chains

—for so the King enjoin'd he shou'd be sent to Spain whenever he proved unworthy.

Chains! Hell and fury

Confusion!

Captain, observe that with strict atten­tion you obey your orders,

— for that stubborn rebel—bear him to torture.

Hold, Roldan—thy vengeance must be most complete when I descend to ask a favour from thee—let my humility glut thy vin­dictive wrath.—Allow that Englishman to share my fortunes.

Bear him away.

Roldan, a wretch like thee should have a coward's caution.—Dost thou not dread, that in his dying moments, when, in defiance of thy tortures, (for I can read his noble soul,) he braves thee to the last, and glories in a death of honour, dost thou not fear he may infect this ruffian crew with some faint sparks of honesty, and make them less fit instruments for thee?

Bear him to death.

Heaven preserve your Excellency.— Will you, great Sir, condescend to indulge the last wish of vanity, and, when you have nothing else to do, write to England the story of my fate; that when my fortunes shall be enquired af­ter, my friends, with joy sparkling thro' a tear, may say, Herbert stuck to his commander to the last, and died as an Englishman ought.

My noble fellow, this hand shall jus­tify thy fame.

Then I am easy.—May your portion of happiness be equal to your virtues—farewell. —

Perhaps, Sir, you never were at the death of an English game-cock.—Will you do me the favour of attending my execution?

Take him from my sight.

Hands off, reptiles!

That you are the most infernal scoundrel the devil ever made a friend of, all your worthy associates about you will, I dare say, allow—but I brand you with the name of fool, for enabling an humble man like me, thus to triumph over you, to defy you— scorn you—laugh at you—Hands off, reptiles!

Is then my triumph for a world's discovery, and the trophies which I bear to Spain, to tell attending crowds my glory, a body bowed by ignominious fetters?

Pardon me, Sir, if I presume to beg, that I may so far mitigate their rigour, as when on board, to free the noble prisoner from their weight.

You know not what you ask—wish me to forfeit the honours my King has heaped on me—no, these are his gracious gifts, and I've not yet learnt to disobey him—and here I vow before that power who cheers the soul of suffering virtue, tho' their cankerous rivets corrode my very bones, no hand but Ferdinand's shall free me from them— By heaven, my soul pants for the moment, when thus accoutered, I may meet his presence, and ask him—how I have deserved these favours from him.

All is ready.

Bear him then on board.

Thou guardian of the innocent, to thy supreme protection I commend the generous natives of this hapless land; assist them to defend [Page 23]their liberties from the fell grasp of this detested crew—To them extend thy mercy; and let me pour my thanks for that celestial fortitude which glows within my breast—with it I can defy the storms of fortune, safe in the approval of a guilt­less mind, which, not deserving wrong, can never feel disgrace.

Great chief, your succours come too late—alas! he's gone! Oh! for vengeance on that traitor, Roldan;—may this arm drive him from the earth, which groans at bearing such a wretch, and hurl him to the infernal gulph, as yet untenanted by any fiend so cursed.

Alonzo, dost thou not blush to call these wretches, countrymen, who spurn at sacred virtue, and seem to court pre-eminence in perdition.

Spain, thou hast lost thy glory—pride and fanaticism have rear'd their bloody banner, and virtue flies to foreign climes for shelter— Orozimbo, to thee and to thy country I dedicate my life—Hark!

The cannon's ireful throat, wont proudly to proclaim defiance, now throws along the wave a solemn sound, as knolling a departed friend.

I have escaped the blood-hounds— Zounds! how I scampered—I never before knew [Page 24]I was so eminently gifted with that fashionable military accomplishment, retreating.

What means this strange appearance?

I'll tell you—that cannibal, Roldan, was, I believe, a little inclined to be dainty, and, wishing for a choice bit, consigned me over to Valverdo, who stood man-cook on the occasion— he ordered me to be scored like pork, and then to be roasted; and the humane priest remarked, there was not so excellent a receipt for insuring the love of heaven, as taking half a dozen here­ticks and broiling them gently over a slow fire— Acknowledge Roldan Viceroy, says he—I'd see you damn'd first, says I—so, watching my op­portunity, I gave the priest a Cornish hug, shewed his scullions a specimen of English wrestling, and off I came, trussed for dressing, as you see me.

Well, my brave friend, thou then wilt aid our cause?

Do you suppose that I, who had my forefathers chopped to atoms in deciding the pre­ference between a red rose and a white one, will stand idle in the cause of humanity?—No, give me a sword, and if I don't, without benefit of clergy, execute that priest, Valverdo, whom the devil has sent hither as his plenipotentiary, make me commander in chief to all the cowards in Europe.

Act in pursuance of the plan I gave, and with a rampart circle in the town, then let but hunger, that harbinger of mu­tiny once assail them, they, like opposing poisons, will soon destroy each other, and save your darts the labour.

Trust me, brave people, these gods are vulnerable—soon shall you behold your ja­velins burnished with their blood—hunger and thirst is their's as well as our's, and the soul of a Spaniard takes its flight from a wound, as swiftly as an Indian's—Lead on.

SCENE I.—The Temple of the Sun.

MATCHLESS infamy! how could the vil­lain Roldan think so poorly of me? the tender of his friendship was sufficient insult, without the terms on which he offers it. Resign thee to him! purchase by treachery the friend­ship of a traitor, —and for what? Had he the power to raise me above all the glories ambition ever coveted, should I not, after such a crime, sit pining 'midst my splendour, the victim of ac­cusing conscience, finding a curse in every blessing.

My heart burns with impatience to lead your valiant troops to just revenge—but let vigilance and caution guide us.

My friend, do thou direct us at thy will— [to the priests]—prepare the rites, the sa­crifice for war, and let the priestess who was last received a servant of the Sun, approach the altar with her sacred present.

'Tis she—'tis Cora—support me, heaven—this unexpected sight o'erpowers me.—

Thou, glorious Sun, accept our hum­ble offerings—receive with favour the righteous homage of our grateful hearts—If thy children e'er have broken the laws of hospitality, if ever they have failed to greet a stranger with a bro­ther's love, they nor deserve, nor dare to hope thy fatherly protection—but if they have not merited the wrongs they suffer, preserve—protect them!

Priestess, bear to our chief this conse­crated weapon, it shall defend the Sun's insulted glory, our sovereign's, and his people's rights.

Forbear—the proffered kindness claims our thanks; but thy unhallowed hand wou'd be a profanation to a priestess' sacred person.

What means this tremor?—What shock so suddenly has struck that lovely frame?

I know not—a momentary weakness—

Let all attention wait her—'tis but the effect of apprehension from her inexperience in her sacred office—

She seemed much agitated—How shall I bear this aggregate of misery—my agony I fear will speak, what shou'd be hid from all.—

Conclude your rites; and may the power supreme accept our fervent prayers, and be our humble offerings grateful to him.

SCENE II. An Indian Town.

I tell you, this new world is crammed with wizzards and astrologers, that whiz about in the night time, raising storms, tempests, and mischief; and can tell the day a man is to die, with as much certainty as—as—

As you can the death of your own pa­tients.

And can prolong your life year after year as easily—as you can a law-suit.

But what cursed luck it is to be cooped up here with a parcel of savages, who know as much of litigation, as I do of the war-whoop— here I see gold enough to make me a judge; but I can't get a bit big enough to buy a scrap of parchment.

Curse the new world, I say—there is not a man in it wants a physician but myself— If I cou'd but have gone back with Columbus— he must by this time be near Spain, and perhaps old Dorothy's dead.

Shall I never see my dear En­glishman [Page 29]again? He pleases my heart when pre­sent, but ah, how he plagues it when absent.

Singular case—always plagued my wife when present, pleased her when absent.—

Most amiable and wealthy savage, be­hold a lawyer and a christian, who will give you the fee simple of his heart, and receive in return, all your love, and

all your money.—Doctor, I wish to join issue here—I'll employ you as counsel, —say something for me.

I will—I will—

My dear, beautiful goldfinch, that fellow is a wicked, cheating lawyer.

I see he's doing my business for me.

Look with an eye of commiseration on one who loves thee.—Oh, how I long to kiss those pouting lips.

You ugly creature, if you touch me, I'll cry out.

Cry out, ha, ha!—when a wo­man declares she will cry out, and when I say I will give a man a ducat to save him from starving, I believe we are both apt to be cursedly worse than our words—come, one buss—Oh lud, oh lud! how much in love I am!

You old propagator of poisons, is this the way you plead my cause? By heaven, my dear, that old assassin has killed more than all the bravoes in Spain.

Is a Doctor a bravo?

Yes, my dear, with an university edu­cation—why, you old idol of grave-diggers, have not you confounded all distinction between a pre­seription and a death-warrant—had not you a re­gular [Page 30]annuity from the undertakers—have not you cheated me out of thousands, by making people die so fast, I had not time to make their wills?—here's a pretty fellow to make love to a sweet girl—Why, he's as blind as justice, as un­feeling as a whipping-post, as diseased as a laza­retto, and as old as a chancery suit.

Oh, you Janus-faced villain—What, traduce my fame?—was not I always a favourite with the women?—when their husbands were ill, did not the dear creatures always send for me? —had not I the honour of receiving a gold medal from the inquisition for keeping a man alive nine days, during the most excruciating torture?— and did not I cure you of a crick in the neck, which you got by standing in the pillory, you one-ear'd rascal?

Yonder I see Herbert, and shou'd he find you here—

He, I suppose, wou'd make his cane join issue with my head—I abscond.

Oh, you cowardly villain! what, run away—egad, I'll be off too.

Now I'm alone, I'll practice such behaviour as, I am told, the women in the other world use, that I may win the heart of my dear Englishman.—First then, I must avoid him— certainly—but that I'll do some other time—then I must abuse him—true, but how!—Oh, were it my task to praise, how prodigal would this heart be in pouring forth its store, which niggard now, will not afford one harsh idea. But I must try— ah, yonder he comes—well, I'm quite indifferent [Page 31]whether I see him or not—I'll not walk in his way, I'm determined.

It's always my infernal luck to be in a rage—to think that these innocent people, who lived as happily before the Spaniard's came, as the people in a village do before an attorney comes among them—should now have gridirons for beds—and what they think worse—the Spa­niards place on their bodies, which were as free as Englishmens—an indelible mark of slavery.— Oh, I hope nobody will contradict me to day—I wish I could see Nelti—her soothing fondness would—

Ah, Nelti, how do you do?

—My love! my love!!

Is it you? I declare I did not observe you.

No—what might you be thinking of, my dear?

That superior being, the elegant Alonzo.

You were? and pray what might in­duce you?

Heigho!

My sweet girl, I'll tell you what. I have been in a most infernal rage, and I am not sure it is quite abated—so, to prevent mistakes, kiss me, —and, if you please, we'll have no jokes at present; for, tho' I love joking pretty well, I love kissing a devilish deal better.

What a charming effect unkindness [Page 32]has—I'll even give him plenty on't—really, Sir, you must possess a considerable share of vanity, in supposing there is no object worthy my regard but you—don't deceive yourself—you, —whom Do­lores says, kicked the women, and were kicked by the men.

He said that, did he? When I have the honour of meeting him, I'll try whether I have forgot my kicking. But—zounds, did not you tell me you adored me?

But then I had scarcely seen the elegant Alonzo, the sage Dolores,—besides, that was some time ago.

Whew !!! Oh, there must be some mistake—certainly one of the wizards old Do­lores talks of must have been busy here—but come, Nelti, have done with folly, and tell me you love me sincerely.

I wish I cou'd—but—

Damn your buts, yon imp of mis­chief, what do you mean?—have you encouraged me one day, to make my mortifications greater the next? have I left the jilts of one world to find the same whirligig tricks in another— don't provoke me, or, by St. George and his dragon, I'll—damnation, that a man can't, with honour, beat any woman but his wife.

Oh dear, I have gone too far—Harry, Harry!

Keep out of my way, or by all the heroes in England I shall never contain myself— don't come near me, talk of me, or think of me— Go to Alonzo, —go to the doctor, or go to the devil; and as long as you are as miserable as I wish you, dam'me if I care where you go—

I find I don't know how to use a man ill—I was a fool for trying it—I can't tell how English women manage—but I am very sure I was made to use men kindly.

SCENE IV.— The Spanish Camp. [Night.]

Our commander Roldan, must not think of sharing in this treasure—damn subordi­nation—are not we Christians superior beings? and have not we a right to murder as many In­dians as we think fit?

Aye, to be sure; if they won't be­come Christians quietly, we must broil them till they do.

This is the sauciest Indian we have caught yet—all good words are thrown away upon him, so, bring in the rack.

Come, be content to work and become a slave, and we'll shew you how to live.

No, give me your tortures, and I'll shew you how to die.

The hour seems big with horror, and the vivid lightning, blazons the murky mantle of the night with awful splendour—Moscoso, why are you absent from your guard?—carry that gold to my tent.

I won't—I tell you what, Viceroy, my [Page 34]maxim is this, —always to obey my commander to the last drop of my blood, while he lets me have my own way—why, you are not in Spain! by St. Lucifer, I won't part with the gold, so, what signifies opposition, when you know you can't help yourself?

Oh, Columbus, how fully art thou now revenged—

—execrable wretch!—but we are friends—the common safety requires obe­dience, and only to preserve you all from death, I venture to oppose your wills.

Well, well, I am satisfied—I am of a sweet disposition—I have murdered many a man without bearing him the least ill will.

Who is that Indian?

I don't know; but he's a damn'd saucy one, and minds no more dying, than we do killing him.

Has the torture extorted no secrets from him?

We have not began to pinch him yet.

What means this horrid noise? The earth trembles.

Oh, mercy!

Cowards, proceed to extort confession from that reptile.

I won't touch a hair of his head—do you think I am a savage? how the ground shakes!

This war of elements is aweful, and may make these half-formed villains squeamish.

Could you find in your heart to tor­ture [Page 35]a poor fellow-creature? We'll release that Indian.

Well, be it so.—

But let not souls like yours be daunted; 'tis not the first tempest you have witnessed—cheerly, my friends.

I think its quite gone off—bring that rascally Indian back, we'll—

Oh, mercy! why, this is an earthquake.

Earthquake—aye, a terrible one.

The earth seems ready to open and swallow us up—let us find the priest and get ab­solution—Oh, mercy! mercy!

SCENE V.—A view of the Temple of the Sun. In the back ground a mountain.

Where'er I turn, 'tis ruin all and death. The wrath of heaven, roused at the crimes it views, pours forth its mighty vengeance.— Oh God of justice—may thy awful power bury within that earth their sins incumber, all who for thirst of gold forget humanity, dare to make thy sacred name a sanction for their crimes.—In this hour of horror, how does my anxious heart beat for her fate, who never can be mine—this tem­ple's hated walls encircle all that on earth could make me blest—but how can I approach her, and [Page 36]to remain uncertain of her safety, is worse than death

—E'en now, perhaps, the earth entombs its richest treasure.

—The dreadful shock increases.—Spare, spare my Cora!

Revive, revive, my angel! let no fears assail that spotless bosom—Turn not from him, who, 'midst this shock of nature, knows no ter­ror but for thee.

Whither am I borne? What art thou? Tell me—'tis he, 'tis he—the constant object of my thoughts!

Has Cora e'er bestowed a thought on on her Alonzo."—Oh joy unhoped for.— In this dread hour to share thy fate was all my utmost wishes could aspire to—but now to hear thee own a mutual flame, is bliss which bears my raptured mind almost beyond the check of reason.

How my heart beats at this unlooked-for meeting.—How little could I hope to be thus bless'd a few short minutes since, when I expected death at every rude commotion—yet, even then, on thee my thoughts were fixed—thee I im­plored to aid me, and my last sigh would have breathed blessings on thee.

Oh my Cora, how shall I tell thee what I feel at this excess of tenderness.

[Page 37]Ha! heaven! my joy had banished from my thoughts all fear; and must we, must we, at a time like this, glut the devouring earth, or drown in floods of fire—let's fly to seek for safety.

Safety—'tis here

—within thy arms I dread no danger.

My heaven of bliss, to die in thy em­brace, death would have no power to inflict a pang, but thy dear life is all I have to hope of happiness on earth, and heaven direct me to preserve it.

SCENE I.—A rich country with an arbour.

MY Cora, methinks I never lived till now— all that has passed of life, has been a dull journey to this point of happiness.

Alonzo—Oh, how that name vibrates thro' every nerve; and makes such sweet com­motion in each pulse, as tho' they swelled to emulate my lips, and strove to utter it.—

How my fancy glows with all the hap­piness which awaits us—we'll fly together to the dear retreats, where nature reigns with uncon­trolled dominion—there, free from every care which dwells with busy, artificial life, each day shall greet us with unclouded joy, and each new hour shall bring increase of bliss—there shall the dear delights of husband and of father—

Oh, Alonzo!

Why droops my love?

Father, said'st thou?—that word has from my lethargy roused me to madness—What have I done?—Love has with tyrant power sub­dued my soul, and forced from my fond mind each sense of duty and each tie of nature—where [Page 39]shall I fly?—where has the earth a place to hide a wretch like me?

Do not distract me, Cora—explain these terrors—be quick to tell me, that my heart may share in every pang of thine.

Doom'd to the cruell'st lot of human mi­sery, hear all the horrors of my fate—when I, with heart which ne'er had felt one sense of pas­sion which it glows with now, gave up my future days to holy solitude, that I by such a sacrifice, might heap more honours on a father's head than e'en his virtues could procure him—I then (Oh, heaven) should love e'er prove my con­queror, consigned myself to death, e'en thee, Alonzo, that rash oath condemned thee too.

Cease to bewail without a cause—a few short hours will bear us from the dread of all the terrors which oppress thy fear-struck fancy— then haste, my love.

Whither, Alonzo?—What, leave my hapless father and my sisters to expiate my crime —they are sureties for me—my flight would doom their innocence to bleed for my offence.

What dost thou utter?—Am I—am I the author of such direful ruin—am I the mur­derer of thy guiltless race?—did not affection check my ireful arm—did not my love command me to exist to share thy doom, whatever fate de­cree it, no longer wou'd I struggle with the hor­rors that I feel, but part with life and misery to­gether.

Is this the comfort thou canst give to Cora?—Ah, why talk I of comfort—comfort's the lot of innocence—shall guilt like mine—shall blind distracted passion, hope to feel the dear [Page 40]felicity that virtue feels—Leave me, Alonzo, and preserve thyself; then let me fly to meet the worst of deaths, so I may spare my honoured fa­ther's life, and save the offspring which has not disgraced him.

Oh, cease, in pity cease—let not thy frantic desperation drive thee to certain ruin.

Alonzo, can'st thou counsel parricide— would'st thou receive a murderer to thy arms?— Lead me to the temple.—The tumult of the night may have preserved my flight unknown—then let me haste.—

Must I resign thee—must we part—

Oh, Cora, how hard a fate is ours.

Alonzo, if parting thus with thee, or instant death were left me to decide on, how should I spurn existence so dearly to be purchased. —But, oh, my father—my sisters—then let despairing love prey on my heart—the anguish of remorse shall never reach it.

SCENE II.— The outside of the Temple.

I have beheld no creature, all seems as still, as if the late convulsive shock of nature had spared no beings but ourselves.

For what a fate Alonzo, are we spared: —let me not think, or all my resolution will for­sake me—Leave me before I well can realize our parting; for if I give scope to the dire thought, madness or death must rob me of all thought.

I will not, cannot say farewell; for yet, propitious heaven may bless us with each other.

Oh! Alonzo, no more—

SCENE VI. The town.

Forgive thee, my angel—name not the word—I like a woman to be a little whimsical in trifles, as long as she has the sta­mina of affection at bottom—I am for none of your still, quiet, good sort of women, that make a man's life one continued dead calm— no—no—refreshing breezes for me—when one is sure not to be driven by them on the rocks of aversion, they render the voyage of life free from languor and insipidity—

Rest assured every future breath of mine shall speak only affection and esteem—but, my Herbert, to owe my life to thy protecting arm, is such joy, as makes me, spite of its awful hor­rors, bless last night, which thus restor'd thee to my aching heart.

My charming girl! Egad, I thought it was all over with us.

Here come those frights, Dolores and Bribon—I shou'd like to plague 'em dearly.

Shou'd you, you rogue.—Egad, what you have told me about necromancers, and the strange opinion of your country, that people's lives are joined together, has given me an idea which will plague them confoundedly, for their credulity in astrology is equal to their professional ignorance.—This way, and I'll explain.

Very true—as nature here asserts her rights, of course monkies have privilege to chatter without fear of correction, but to [Page 43]compare your paltry profession with the noble art of healing?

Why, to say the truth, Doctors do put people out of their misery.

Come, that's better than lawyers, who put them into misery, and leave them there.

Call in a physician, he kills, or nature cures.

True; but call in a lawyer, and egad, kill or cure, right or wrong, is equally fatal—

—Zounds! there's Herbert— tush, be quiet—let's listen.

You amaze me! Can it be possible that your necromancers are so very potent?

True indeed, my love.

This union of lives is very wonder­ful, and doubtless very true—If old Dolores knew that his life depended on another's fate, how anxious wou'd he be to know whose—

I am very anxious.

I'd give half my estate to know it.

Lives linked together!—oh! I've heard of it.

So have I—it's a wonderful discovery!

To be sure it is.—Why, it accounts at once for those cursed unprofitable apoplexies, What's that cat-o-nine tails?

These varied coloured braids explain every thing as your books do.

By these knotty hieroglyphics, the necromancers expound the decrees of fate—Ob­serve.

Keep off—I would not touch it for the world—the idea makes me paralytic. I hope my partner for life is one of these fine healthy Indians—long life to the worthy crea­tures —I love them in my heart, and so I ought —are not all mankind a kin to one another?

I'm exceedingly alarmed—wonder who they could find to couple with a lawyer's soul.— Sweetest of women—if you would condescend to enquire.

Oh, if you would obtain from the necromancer one of these conjuring things, to inform me who is interested in my unhappy lot, I'd pray for you—I'd go to the devil for you— I'd—

And never again teaze me with love?

Never—never.

I'll hate you as long as I live.

Then meet me presently—you see yonder cave.

Yes.

That's the dwelling of the necromancer.

I won't go there—I would not see his devilship for the fame of AEsculapius.

Nor I, to be the Lycurgus of the new world.

Well then, I'll take care you shall not see him—so, follow me, and I'll get you infor­mation will set your hearts at ease.

I declare, what she has said, has made me so ill, I can scarce stand—Oh, lord, I am afraid my accomplice is going.

Come, Bribon, forget and forgive—

and, as you are ill, there's a pretty, tasteless medicine that I'm sure will do you good, my dear friend—Dam'me, but there's a dose for you, however.

And does that old fool think I'd ensure death by taking his cursed po­tions— ah, Sir, there is no way to deal with doctors.

I beg your pardon, give them fees while you are well, and nothing when you are ill, and they are not the mischievous animals you think them.

If the necromancer will but speak the truth—

Ha! ha! already I've perform'd a miracle—for there go a physician and a lawyer, wishing to sind among men health and sincerity— This partnership of liver is a whimsical kind of doctrine, and yet, absurd as it seems, I feel it not altogether untrue, for were my Nelti to die, I believe, Herbert, thy life wou'd not be worth many days.

SCENE IV.— The inside of an Indian house.

How anxious I am to know whom my precious life is joined to—Ah! here comes Nelti— Tell me, my dear girl—

Get out of my way—

I tell you what, old Hellebore, I'll— Ah, here she comes—now for it

Sweetest messenger of fate, tell me the name of him, the chords of whose heart are so twist­ed with mine, that one crack will dissever both.

Now attend—I said to the necromancer, Most profound and learned sage, on whose life depends that of old Doctor Dominic Dolores? says he, Has he not a decrepid form—withered face—sunk eyes—pug-nose—paper lips—leather cheeks—straggling teeth—says I, the description suits exactly—He then gave me this, which in­forms me your life is joined to—

Whom?

I hope some rascal, who will be hang'd in a week.

Very likely, for it is joined to a lawyer's, and his name is—Bribon

when one dies, the other will inevitably expire.

Oh, lud! Oh, lud!

Oh, dear! Oh, dear!

I see I've made you quite happy—so, good bye.

Oh, cruel fate! that my precious life must depend on my mortal enemy—I can't bear it.

To be in the same death-warrant with that old superannuated villain—Oh, 'tis too much!

I think it was ridiculous enough in us to quarrel about a silly girl, Eh, Bribon?

Very, Doctor; just as if there were not unavoidable miseries enough in life, without mak­ing them.

True—how do you do?

You don't look well.

My dear friend, let me feel your pulse —Oh, lord, 'tis very quick.

Dear Doctor, sit down.

I say, Bribon, you did not, (may be,) happen to swallow the contents of the bottle I gave you

Oh, the scoundrel!—

—First tell me how you are.

Why, independent of my care for you, I am very well—so, you did not take the medicine? Well, its no great matter—I'm not offended with you—perhaps it is well as it is.

What an old villain! If I thought it would not endanger his life, I would plague him [Page 48]heartily

I don't think, my dear Doctor, you look ill.

Ill! I never was better in my life

Egad I will—I'll plague him

and, thank heaven, the cordial you gave me, and which I have just swallowed—

Why, you did not take it, did you?

Every drop—I dare say it will do me infinite good.

Oh, I dare say it will—let me feel your pulse again—perhaps it may give you a bit of a twinge across the stomach—but don't mind it.

No—you seem frighten'd.

Not at all—don't agitate yourself— let me feel your pulse again—how lucky it is, my dear friend—any thing the matter?—How lucky, I say, that the lives of two men should be linked together, who love each other so sincerely— Eh, what's the matter?

Nothing—I felt a little ugly pain, but its gone off—I can't help laughing to think we should quarrel about a girl—Ha, ha! ha, ha!

Ha, ha!—Oh, Lord! Ha, ha, ha! Are you sure the pain's gone off—Ha, ha!—Oh, Lord! oh, dear!

Oh, there again—they increase—they increase—Oh! oh!

I am a miserable old man! What, again, Eh?

Have you any more of the bottle?

Oh, no—I have a notion you have had enough of that.

I'm torn to death—pray prescribe for me.

Oh, Lord! not for the world—Leave it to nature—she's the best physician—Do you feel better?—I think you look better.

I feel I am dying—as a proof of my love for you, Doctor, I bequeath you—(Oh!) all my property what­ever, and wish you a long and happy life.

But, zounds! you forget I sha'n't out­live you a minute

Oh! he's going—help! help!

What's all this bawling?

Can nothing save my dear friend?— my life is wound up in his.

Ah, poor Bribon! what, he's going—now, is not it a shocking thing, Doctor, that, be­cause this scoundrel is dying, some amiable gen­tleman won't live half an hour?

O, very shocking! and between you and I, Herbert, I am that amiable, miserable old gentleman.

How will you part with Nelti?

Pooh! stuff—Do you think I mind parting with Nelti, or you, or all the world?—No; all my struggles are, how to part with my sweet self, how to bid adieu to this dear, delicious little body—Oh! he's going—he's going.

Can you do nothing for him?

Bleeding,—bleeding's all that's left—If my hand's steady enough, I'll open a vein.

Be sure you cut deep enough.

I will—I will—but I hav'n't my in­struments about me.

Here's my sword.

Give it me—I'll bleed him—

No, you don't—don't be frightened

bless your soul, it was all a fetch.

Come to my arms

what are you grinning at?

Ay, what are you—

I'll be revenged on him—I'll trick him out of Nelti yet.

What?

I'll marry Nelti.

What, are you mad? marry a young mettlesome wench that—pooh—nonsense—why, arsenic wou'd not send you to your grave with more expedition.

True, Bribon—I'll go to Nelti—so, farewell, Doctor.

You sha'n't—you sha'n't—I demand satisfaction—Oh, you cowardly—

SCENE. I.— Outside of the Temple of the Sun.

STILL must I wander near these awful walls, uncertain of my fate.—Though days and weeks pass on, yet nought I gain from lengthened time, but added woe.—Still, still I tremble for her life! And were my mind relieved from that distracting fear, what comfort even then could reach me—The treasure of my soul's immured in yon impenetrable shrine—buried for ever in that grave of youth and beauty.—Where can I find a thought of ought but wretchedness—

Alonzo!

What wou'd'st thou?

I come from Cora.

From Cora say'st thou? I dread—

Dread the worst.—The hapless victim of unholy love sends to Alonzo her dying blessing.

Oh heaven!

Her absence from the temple was dis­covered.—She was seen with thee.—She begged [Page 52]me to conjure thee by her love, to save thyself from death by instant flight—obey her quickly—

Stay, stay I charge thee.

I have performed my office; urge not my stay, for I have feelings hard to be suppressed, and which, if not suppressed, might wound thee.

What can now wound me more?

We thought thee perfect, we adored thee with reverence, fit only for the power whose worship thou hast violated.

Forbear old man; cease thy untimely chidings.

My woes may surely justify my chid­ings. — I, who behold a race, in which each virtue heaven could give, all honour human power could bestow, has bloomed for ages, blasted with infamy, with infamy by thee.

"Forbear, forbear."—

I, who am doomed to view the dearest object of my doating fondness, whose goodness oft' has steeped these aged eyes in tears of joy, to see her branded with guilt, devoted to de­struction.—Have not I full cause, thus loudly to complain, and to upbraid thee, —I, her hapless father?—

Father say'st thou?

Thou, the father of my Cora.— Oh forgive me; yet how can'st thou forgive the murderer of thy child? Strike, strike this weapon in my guilty breast—Oh give me death; it will at once to thee be vengeance, and to me be mercy.

I seek not vengeance; vengeance is for weaker woes.—But tell me, how could'st thou heap such anguish on a heart that never injured thee?

Oh father, let me call thee so— wring not my soul thus—I love thy daughter with a flame pure as her virtues; think then what I must feel, and even thou may'st pity me.

If thou dost truly love my hapless child, e'en in the midst of all my woes, my bo­som owns one pang for thee—The torments of my Cora soon must end.—Thine, alas!—but let me not encrease the sorrows I could wish to soothe —Farewell—obey my dying child, and grant her all the joy she now can taste—to know that thou art safe.

Think'st thou I am base enough to live the monument of her destruction, and my own disgrace.—No, if my life cannot alone appease your violated laws, let me at least partake my Cora's doom, and in a fond embrace expiring, I'll bless the fate, that e'en in death unites us.

Our law allows no partial mitigation— leave her to meet the doom thou can'st not save her from; and do thou bear life a little longer, to give unhappy Cora, in her dying pangs, one ray of comfort.

Oh my father!

Farewell, farewell my son; and if thou can'st be happy, heaven can tell I wish thee so.

Now then the sum of horror is com­plete.—

Alonzo, thy aid is now our chief reliance—Roldan prepares to attack us; and since the good Columbus left our coast, thro' many tedious months of care and danger, thy counsel and thy valour, still have been defence and safety to us. But, why droops the brave Alonzo?— If any tender scruple of shedding native blood now check thy wonted ardour, freely avow the generous weakness, —On thee depends our fate— yet would I welcome the loss of empire and of life, rather than save them by Alonzo's misery.

No—With honest zeal I draw my sword against the enemies of innocence, tho' the same clime hath bred us.—He who regards his coun­try's real honour, owns for his countrymen, none but the virtuous.—Yet, Orozimbo, this heart is bursting with its anguish.

Thy sorrows, tho' I am unconscious of the cause, have found their way into my kin­dred breast.—Tell me thy griefs, that I may soothe, perhaps relieve them.

Thou, thou alone hast power to do it.

Then, by my kingdom, thou shalt find relief.

Command that all re­main at distance.

Retire!

Behold those walls! does thy exalted mind, which owns the noblest energies of reason, does it approve that structure, reared by mistaken zeal, to glorify the Deity, by the dire sacrifice of all his dearest blessings?

Say on.

Does she, who, in the prime of youth, when every fine affection of the soul glows with its noblest fervour, when all the joys of life seem decked with magic splendour, does she deserve the punishment of guilt, who, buried in yon' ruthless prison, casts a fond thought on the de­lights she has lost, dares to condemn the tyranny which binds her, and claims her right to liberty and love?

I would aspire to reign beyond the limits of weak prejudice; but reflect, Alonzo, how sacred are a country's customs.

There, there's the source of half the misery of human kind—custom is the vile con­founder of virtue and of vice.—It checks the operation of our godlike reason, and makes the greatest glory of creation, a being void of will— Oh, Orozimbo, soar superior to the mists of error —when thy great soul displays unmanacled its glo­rious attributes—thou'lt cease to think that God delights in cruelty, whose blest infusion in the human heart breathes mercy and benevolence.

Oft have I admired thy wisdom and thy virtue; but, now methinks, in thee I hear the voice of heaven, and it shall be obeyed.— But I must praise thy wonderous goodness, which can thus plead for other's misery.

There I am unworthy of thy praise— mine is a selfish zeal—I've sued for one whom I adore; nay for myself I've sued.—Oh, Orozimbo, in the repeal of an inhuman law, thou hast re­stored my forfeit life—nay more—the life of her I love.

What do I hear?

Great chief, the foe is on their march— your warriors are assembled, anxious for your pre­sence to lead them to victory.

On my friends.

One moment stay.—Lest the fell chance of war (which, heaven avert) shou'd leave my lovely Cora without the generous friend she has found in thee; first let me bear your royal mandate to the temple, strictly commanding, (whatever fate may in the battle wait us) pardon and liberty for her.

I must in person give the important mandate—Lead on the troops

and I with speed will join you.

I leave you to the conduct of the brave Alonzo.

SCENE III. A Battle.

Alas! our efforts are, I fear, in vain.

We'll fight, my noble chief, 'till we force victory to crown us—our deeds shall shame her for inclining to our dastard enemies—Alonzo bears about him like an hungry lion.

Heaven protect and aid him.

What an unlucky dog am I—I was within six yards of that destroyer of innocents, Roldan, and yet the villain had the good luck to escape me—I have not had a bit of fighting so long, and this whet has given me such an appe­tite—ha, ha! here comes work for me—now, my boy, Herbert, stick to them.

Yield directly, you English de­serter.

Yes, I am a deserter; but there alone where an Englishman will be one, from villainy and oppression to honour and humanity—Have at you, bloodhounds!

Herbert in danger

Aid me, ye powers!

Alas! his manly breast presents itself, and my erring hand may slay my love—They overpower him—now, heaven direct me

—he's safe—

Saved by a woman's hand!—she faints —the spirit which animated her to preserve me, now sinks beneath the weight of its own effort— Good heaven! can it be?—'Tis Nelti.

Oh, Herbert, joy has almost the same effect that terror had, and I am scarce able to bear the excess of happiness your safety gives me.

My dear angelic girl, I am in such transport, I scarcely know, whether I am in earth or in heaven.

But let me bestow you in a place of safety, for you hear I am wanted.

Then my busines is not done—I came here to watch your safety, and I'll not leave you; so, obey me—you are not the first hero who has had a female commander.

Then act, my love, like a commander, and get out of the reach of danger as fast as you can—See how the Indians fly—Hah! we are sur­prized, and our retreat cut off—This way—this way—

SCENE THE LAST.— A garden of the Temple of the Sun—at the upper end an arch.

Tho' I receiv'd, with all apparent re­verence, the mandate of the King, to spare the impious priestess, I but dissembled, to preserve our sacred rites inviolate—had I opposed the hated order, his power would have rescued from our grasp, the object of our vengeance.

There can exist no doubt—On the [...] which followed that dreadful night, when [...]e dire war of elements diffused such general horror, Blessco, whose truth none yet e'er doubt­ed, beheld her conducted to the temple by one of these hated strangers, with whom she parted [Page 59]with every mark of fond endearment—Long he concealed this, till at length his conscience sore­ly wounded by the guilt he secreted, he on his oath declared to me this profanation. Instant conduct the offender to her doom.

Oh, reverend priest, on my devoted head let fall the vengeance of the offended law—the crime was mine; I heeded not the tears which trickled down my Cora's angel-face; I listened not to the reproving sighs, which forced their way from her lament­ing bosom; but, deaf to nature's voice, com­pelled her to dedicate her youth to solitude and misery.

Hence, nor offer further insult to of­fended heaven, by pleading for a wretch who braves its laws.

Sure heaven will pardon a poor old man, who pleads for mercy to his child—the of­fence was mine, then take my forfeit life, but save, O save my Cora.

Dost thou still with impious stubborn­ness, persist to keep concealed the partner of thy guilt? Say, who it was seduced thy innocence?

Oh, for mercy, spare me so dire a thought—Shall I be his accuser—Oh bless, pre­serve him, Heaven.

This instant meet thy fate.

What rash foot dares, unbidden, to approach the sacred Temple?

I wish my tidings did not justify in­trusion —Reverend Priest, freedom is lost—the barbarous foe hath conquered.

‘Thou hast armed the hand of Heaven against us—its indignation falls on ourheads in vengeance for thy crime’—Lead to her death.

Hold—doth Alonzo live?

He was too brave for life—With ardour more than human he sought the fiercest dangers of the fight, and hurled destruction round him; but at length hemmed in by numbers more than mortal arm could force, he must have fallen, to swell the horrors of this dreadful day.

Then welcome, death

Ha! it must be so—the secret is re­vealed.

Lead me to my fate—Your cruelty will now be mercy—My soul's impatient to throw off this load of life, eager to join the spirit of my lord, and soar in union to the realms of bliss.

Silence this frenzy—or if thou must be loud in exclamation, curse with your dying breath your impious violator.

Peace, monster, dare not to breathe a sound reproachful to my Alonzo's memory, lest I forget the calm solemnity this awful moment claims, and pour on thee my curses.

To death with her, and thou, old man, this instant quit the Temple, or behold thy daughter bleed.

Farewell, my child, I'll weep no more. —This bursting heart will soon force out a pas­sage for my soul to take its slight and follow thee.

My life, my Cora—Could their barba­rian hands dare point their vengeance at thy love­ly form? And have I then the bliss to clasp thee once again—Tho' danger, and tho' death on every side surround us, still to enfold thee thus is extacy.

My loved Alonzo—They told me thou wen't dead, and I was eager to escape from life, again to meet thee.

By miracle hath Heaven preserved me— But say, what meant those bloody rites?

Think not thy frenzy shall impede our justice.

Make fast the Temple gates—The foe will soon be here

Alonzo—dost thou live, my friend?

The arm of heaven was surely stretched to save me—I forced my way thro' the opposing multitude, and seeing all was lost, I came once more to view this precious treasure, and die de­fending it—here I met death in all his direst hor­ror, cloathed in the garb of priestly cruelty, not even thy command—their king's decree, could stop the torrent of their barbarous zeal.

Thou traitor—hence from my sight —begone—

—death waits us all— let's meet it as we ought.

Oh! what a moment of distraction— must I behold thee—[ to Cora] sinking beneath the weight of butchering swords, or worse, leave thee the victim of a brutal conqueror.

Can my Alonzo grudge me the bliss to die with him—souls linked like ours, the call of death should never summon singly.—The hor­rors of captivity, thou need'st not dread for me. —This

if the sabres of the foe shrink from shedding a woman's blood, this shall prevent my lingering in life, when my dear lord has left it.

They come—now then for death.

Fare­well—farewell.—

Huzza! victory! victory!

Herbert!

Victory!—justice—hap­piness. —

huzza!

Instant ease this anxious heart.

Give me breath

huz­za! —now for it—in our late overthrow, finding our retreat cut off, Nelti and I scampered towards the shore, with a troop of the whiskered blood­hounds at our heels.—There, to my surprize I beheld a fleet—Spanish colours—they were land­ing —I hailed the first boat—Who's your admiral says I—Columbus!—Columbus!

Columbus—

I say, Columbus—

Then, Spain, thou hast retrieved thy name.

Who's your admiral, says I—Co­lumbus.—

Say on.

He landed, and when I had done crying, I informed him what had happened.— On the instant his troops flew to arms.—But Rol­dan's crew saved us the trouble of fighting—they fell on their coward knees

but here they come, and as they ought—Roldan in chains, and Columbus triumphant.

Hear'st thou, my love—let these de­lightful sounds dispel the hideous horrors which oppressed thee, and elevate thy soul, like mine, to heavenly bliss.

Bliss Alonzo! Can happiness be ours?

For ever.

Receive, Alonzo, receive thy Cora to thy arms, and may the giver of all bliss shower down upon your faithful loves, his choicest bles­sings.

Oh, my dear country, for I must call thee mine, do I again behold thee? This happy hour o'erpays my utmost toil.—My friends, much have I to enquire.

Great Columbus, till my heart is made acquainted with thy fortunes, I cannot tell thee of my happiness—Has Spain redressed thy in­juries — has Ferdinand —

Alonzo, my wrongs were enviable— captivity was triumph — When amidst the ap­plauding shouts of thousands, I approached the royal presence, the suffering monarch shrunk from the fight, and threw his mantle o'er his face, crimsoned with shame; then raised me to his arms, still my pride sustained me; but when I beheld the beauteous Isabella, try to force from their dire grasp my galling chains, and on each wound drop a balmy tear, loyalty and love ruthed on my soul, I embraced her royal feet, and gave her tears for thanks; then all the pride of pa­geantry was decreed, but my soul languished for [Page 65]the time, when, Orozimbo, I might thus again enfold thee, and restore to thee thy kingdom, freed from the gripe of ruthless tyranny.

Greatest of men, in firmest confi­dence of thy excelling virtues, I repose my peo­ple's safety.

My noble Englishman, receive from my hand this lovely maid, and such benefits as I can bestow, you may command.

Now, my dear Herbert, you will be­come a great man, and live at your ease.

A great man, and be at ease!—never was such a thing heard of. This is the sort of being which passes for a great man, and I hope you don't call this being at ease—

—Ha, ha! No, my love, it requires a cursed deal more hard la­bour to impose on the world, than suits the tran­quil indolence of my disposition. And now, that all may this day be happy, Doctor, a word with you.

What do you want, Sir, with my friend?

Aye, what do you want?

Only this, my excellent friends, I have abused your credulity.

How?

Your lives are independent of each other, and now you may hate him again as heartily as ever.

Did not the necromancer?

I was the necromancer, old Dominic.

You were—Get out of my way, you—

Ha, ha!

That was indeed a triumph.—See those wretches closely guarded—their punishment must not now damp the joy I feel. Oh, were I sa­tisfied no future Roldans would alarm your peace, I should be blest indeed.—Had I earlier known that Englands monarch would have graced my fortunes with his victorious banner, then would your freedom been firmly sixed.—They only, who themselves are free, give liberty to others.