Inca. Vain man, what foolish thoughts fill thy swelled mind!
It is too late our ruin to recall;
Those, that have once great buildings undermined,
Will prove too weak to prop them in their fall.
Enter TRAXALLA, with the former soldiers.
1 Sold. See, mighty sir, where the bold stranger stands, Who snatched these glorious prisoners from our hands.
Trax. 'Tis the great Inca; seize him as my prey, To crown the triumphs of this glorious day.
Mont. Stay your bold hands from reaching at what's mine,
If any title springs from victory;
You safer may attempt to rob a shrine,
And hope forgiveness from the deity.
Enter ACACIS.
Trax. O, my dear prince, my joys to see you live Are more than all that victory can give.
Aca. How are my best endeavours crost by fate!
Else you had ne'er been lost, or found so late.
Hurried by the wild fury of the fight,
Far from your presence, and Orazia's sight,
I could not all that care and duty show,
Which, as your captive, mighty prince, I owe.
Inca. You often have preserved our lives this day,
And one small debt with many bounties pay.
But human actions hang on springs, that be
Too small, or too remote, for us to see.
My glories freely I to yours resign,
And am your prisoner now, that once were mine.
Mont. These prisoners, sir, are mine by right of war; And I'll maintain that right, if any dare.