A wild and mountainous country. Ordonio and Isidore are discovered, supposed at a little distance from Isidore's house.

Ordonio. Here we may stop: your house distinct in view,
Yet we secured from listeners.

Isidore. Now indeed
[[835]] My house! and it looks cheerful as the clusters
Basking in sunshine on yon vine-clad rock,
That over-brows it! Patron! Friend! Preserver! 5
Thrice have you saved my life. Once in the battle
You gave it me: next rescued me from suicide
When for my follies I was made to wander,
With mouths to feed, and not a morsel for them:
Now but for you, a dungeon's slimy stones 10
Had been my bed and pillow.

Ordonio. Good Isidore!
Why this to me? It is enough, you know it.

Isidore. A common trick of gratitude, my lord,
Seeking to ease her own full heart——

Ordonio. Enough!
A debt repaid ceases to be a debt. [15]
You have it in your power to serve me greatly.

Isidore. And how, my lord? I pray you to name the thing.
I would climb up an ice-glazed precipice
To pluck a weed you fancied!

Ordonio. Why—that—Lady—

Isidore. 'Tis now three years, my lord, since last I saw you: [20]
Have you a son, my lord?

Ordonio. O miserable— [Aside.
Isidore! you are a man, and know mankind.
I told you what I wished—now for the truth—
She loved the man you kill'd.