Rolla. And do you, Alonzo, feel the value of the sacrifice she would make you?
Alonzo. I feel it deeply.
Rolla. Then will I save you both. (He places himself between them) Come hither, and each give me a hand!—Consider me as your brother—as such, Cora, my dearest sister, I unite you to this man. (Placing her hand in Alonzo’s) May the shade of your mother, which hovers over us at this moment, look down with an eye of favour upon your union!—May it be followed by her blessing—If you are happy, I shall be so. (He turns aside, and wipes tears from his eyes.)
Alonzo and Cora. (Throwing their arms round him) Our dearest brother!
Rolla. Yes, your brother!—and as your brother, will I pass the remainder of my days with you. In a sequestered spot, on the other side of the blue mountains, lives a friend of mine, an old Cazique, who, under the monarch of Cuzco, rules a mild and gentle race, many of whom served in their sovereign’s army during the last war. At that time the son of the Cazique, a youth of the fairest promise, was severely wounded, and fell a prisoner into my hands; but, by my care and attention, he soon recovered of his wounds, and I restored him, without ransom, to his father. Since that moment the good man has been unbounded in his expressions of gratitude—He will receive us with transport; and in that remote province your love will find a secure asylum. There will I live with you,—tend and educate your children—be cheerful and happy, since Cora will be happy;—and at last, amid your brotherly and sisterly tears, quit this world with calmness and serenity, and ascend with transport to our Father above.
Cora. Where you will be received by my mother with inexpressible transports of gratitude!
Alonzo. Noble, generous man!—Scarcely dare I raise my eyes towards you!
Juan. (Half aside, endeavouring to conceal a tear) By all the saints above, if that man be not a Christian, I myself will turn Heathen!
Rolla. Let us now consult together what further is to be done!—Flight is resolved on; but the time and manner of its accomplishment remain to be considered.