Cort. Call them not so, when once with odds opprest;
Nor are they foes my clemency defends,
Until they have refused the name of friends:
Draw up our Spaniards by themselves, then fire
Our guns on all, who do not strait retire.
[To VASQ.
Ind. O mercy, mercy! at thy feet we fall, [Indians kneeling. Before thy roaring Gods destroy us all: See, we retreat without the least reply; Keep thy Gods silent! if they speak we die.
[The Taxallans retire.
Mont. The fierce Taxatlans lay their weapons down, Some miracle in our relief is shewn.
Guy. These bearded men in shape and colour be Like those I saw come floating on the sea.
[MONT. kneels to CORT.
Mont. Patron of Mexico, and God of wars, Son of the sun, and brother of the stars—
Cort. Great monarch, your devotion you misplace.
Mont. Thy actions shew thee born of heavenly race.
If then thou art that cruel God, whose eyes
Delight in blood, and human sacrifice,
Thy dreadful altars I with slaves will store,
And feed thy nostrils with hot reeking gore;
Or if that mild and gentle God thou be,
Who dost mankind below with pity see,
With breath of incense I will glad thy heart;
But if, like us, of mortal seed thou art,
Presents of choicest fowls, and fruits I'll bring,
And in my realms thou shalt be more than king.