Teresa. See, we have disturbed him.
[Approaches nearer to him.
I pray you, think us friends—uncowl your face, 260
For you seem faint, and the night-breeze blows healing.
I pray you, think us friends!
Alvar (raising his head). Calm, very calm!
'Tis all too tranquil for reality!
And she spoke to me with her innocent voice, [265]
That voice, that innocent voice! She is no traitress!
Teresa. Let us retire (haughtily to Alhadra).
Alhadra. He is indeed a Christian.
Alvar (aside). She deems me dead, yet wears no mourning garment!
Why should my brother's—wife—wear mourning garments? 270
[To Teresa.
Your pardon, noble dame! that I disturbed you:
I had just started from a frightful dream.
Teresa. Dreams tell but of the past, and yet, 'tis said,
They prophesy—
Alvar. The Past lives o'er again
In its effects, and to the guilty spirit [275]
The ever-frowning Present is its image.
Teresa. Traitress! (Then aside.)
What sudden spell o'ermasters me?
Why seeks he me, shunning the Moorish woman?
Alvar. I dreamt I had a friend, on whom I leant
With blindest trust, and a betrothéd maid, 280
Whom I was wont to call not mine, but me:
For mine own self seem'd nothing, lacking her.
This maid so idolized, that trusted friend
Dishonoured in my absence, soul and body!
Fear, following guilt, tempted to blacker guilt, 285
And murderers were suborned against my life.
But by my looks, and most impassioned words,
I roused the virtues that are dead in no man,
Even in the assassins' hearts! they made their terms,
And thanked me for redeeming them from murder. 290