Alhadra. Murdered by a Christian!
[They all at once draw their sabres.
Alhadra (to Naomi, who advances from the circle). Brother of Zagri! fling away thy sword;
This is thy chieftain's! [He steps forward to take it.
Dost thou dare receive it? 45
For I have sworn by Alla and the Prophet,
No tear shall dim these eyes, this woman's heart
Shall heave no groan, till I have seen that sword
Wet with the life-blood of the son of Valdez! [A pause.
Ordonio was your chieftain's murderer! [50]
Naomi. He dies, by Alla!
All (kneeling). By Alla!
Alhadra. This night your chieftain armed himself,
And hurried from me. But I followed him
At distance, till I saw him enter—there!
Naomi. The cavern?
Alhadra. Yes, the mouth of yonder cavern 55
After a while I saw the son of Valdez
Rush by with flaring torch; he likewise entered.
There was another and a longer pause;
And once, methought I heard the clash of swords!
And soon the son of Valdez re-appeared: 60
He flung his torch towards the moon in sport,
And seemed as he were mirthful! I stood listening,
Impatient for the footsteps of my husband!
Naomi. Thou called'st him?