Alib. Blessings will crown your name, if you prevent
That blood, which in this battle will be spent;
Nor need you fear so just a suit to move,
Which both becomes your duty and your love.
Cyd. But think you he will come? their camp is near, And he already knows I wait him here.
Alib. You are too young your power to understand, Lovers take wing upon the least command; Already he is here.
Enter CORTEZ and VASQUEZ to them.
Cort. Methinks, like two black storms on either hand,
Our Spanish army and your Indians stand;
This only space betwixt the clouds is clear,
Where you, like day, broke loose from both appear.
Cyd. Those closing skies might still continue bright,
But who can help it, if you'll make it night?
The Gods have given you power of life and death,
Like them to save, or ruin, with a breath.
Cort. That power they to your father did dispose, 'Twas in his choice to make us friends or foes.
Alib. Injurious strength would rapine still excuse,
By offering terms the weaker must refuse;
And such as these your hard conditions are,
You threaten peace, and you invite a war.
Cort. If for myself to conquer here I came,
You might perhaps my actions justly blame:
Now I am sent, and am not to dispute
My prince's orders, but to execute.
Alib. He, who his prince so blindly does obey, To keep his faith his virtue throws away.