Fam. Three things, Megario.
Meg. What are they?
Fam. First,—
That I may pass from here, free as I came,
With every soul that will go out with me.
Meg. The way is open. Go.
Fam. And you with us.
Far as the coast, where willing transport waits
To bear us northward. Then you may go free.
[Turns to the people]
There brothers wait you, men,—there freedom's tongue
Is beacon fire. The whole of northland sings,
A canticle of flame. You'll go with me?
Mas. [Loudly] We'll follow Osa!
Voices. Osa! Osa! On!
Fam. Gonzalo, choose you men, a thrifty score,
To fill the water-jars and get us food
From the hacienda stores.
[Gonzales passes out, men following at his signal]
The third demand,
Megario, is this. That key you belt
So close—
[Megario claps hand on key]
Yes, that,—it must be mine, to unlock
A dungeon here and free a prisoner
Whom you for love of torture keep alive.
Meg. No, that's a lie.
Fam. Deny it to the stars
That saw you yesternight steal up like crime
To a dark grating, saw you gloat, and fling
The crumbs that will not let your victim die,
Though scarce they give him life.