Qu. But, Alonzo,
Whilst that religious Patience dwells about thee,
All Spain must suffer, nay, Ages that shall ensue
Shall curse thy Name, and Family;
From whom a Race of Bastards shall proceed,
To wear that Crown.
Alon. No, Madam, not for mine,
My Sister’s in my power, her Honour’s mine;
I can command her Life, though not my King’s.
Her Mother is a Saint, and shou’d she now
Look down from Heaven upon a Deed so foul,
I think even there she wou’d invent a Curse,
To thunder on her Head.—
But, Madam, whence was this Intelligence?
Qu. Elvira saw the King enter her Lodgings, With Lover’s haste, and Joy.
Alon. Her Lodgings!—when?
Qu. Now, not an Hour ago, Now, since the Moor departed.
Alon. Damnation on her! can she be thus false?
Come, lead me to the Lodgings of this Strumpet,
And make me see this truth, [To Elvira.
Or I will leave thee dead, for thus abusing me.
Qu. Nay, dear Alonzo, do not go inrag’d,
Stay till your Temper wears a calmer look;
That if, by chance, you shou’d behold the Wantons,
In little harmless Dalliance, such as Lovers
(Aided with Silence, and the shades of Night)
May possibly commit,
You may not do that which you may repent of.
Alon. Gods! should I play the Pander! And with my Patience, aid the amorous Sin— No, I shall scarce have so much Tameness left, To mind me of my Duty to my King. Ye Gods! behold the Sacrifice I make To my lost Honour: behold, and aid my Justice. [Ex. Alon.
Qu. It will concern me too to see this Wonder, For yet I scarce can credit it.
[Exeunt.