Valdez, Ordonio, and Alvar in a Sorcerer's robe, are discovered.

Ordonio. This was too melancholy, Father.

Valdez. Nay,
My Alvar lov'd sad music from a child.
Once he was lost; and after weary search
We found him in an open place in the wood.
To which spot he had followed a blind boy, 5
Who breath'd into a pipe of sycamore
Some strangely moving notes: and these, he said,
Were taught him in a dream. Him we first saw
Stretch'd on the broad top of a sunny heath-bank:
And lower down poor Alvar, fast asleep, 10
His head upon the blind boy's dog. It pleas'd me
To mark how he had fasten'd round the pipe
A silver toy his grandam had late given him.
Methinks I see him now as he then look'd—
[[848]] Even so!—He had outgrown his infant dress, [15]
Yet still he wore it.

Alvar (aside). My tears must not flow!
I must not clasp his knees, and cry, My father!

Enter Teresa and Attendants.

Teresa. Lord Valdez, you have asked my presence here,
And I submit; but (Heaven bear witness for me)
My heart approves it not! 'tis mockery. 20

Ordonio. Believe you then no preternatural influence:
Believe you not that spirits throng around us?

Teresa. Say rather that I have imagined it
A possible thing: and it has sooth'd my soul
As other fancies have; but ne'er seduced me 25
To traffic with the black and frenzied hope
That the dead hear the voice of witch or wizard. [To Alvar.
Stranger, I mourn and blush to see you here,
On such employment! With far other thoughts
I left you. [30]

Ordonio (aside). Ha! he has been tampering with her?

Alvar. O high-soul'd Maiden! and more dear to me
Than suits the stranger's name!—
I swear to thee
I will uncover all concealéd guilt.
Doubt, but decide not! Stand ye from the altar. [35]