Earl Henry. No, Sandoval, No! This was not her act. She
roused herself from the stupor of alarm, she suspended in
opposition to the advice of her council, all proceedings against
the inferior partisans of the Conspiracy; she facilitated the
escape of Don Manrique's brother, and to Donna Oropeza, his 80
daughter and only surviving child, she restored all her father's
possessions, nay became herself her Protectress and Friend.
These were the acts, these the first acts of my royal Mistress.
Sandoval. And how did Donna Oropeza receive these favors?
Earl Henry. Why ask you that? Did they not fall on her, [85]
like heavenly dews?
Sandoval. And will they not rise again, like an earthly mist?
What is Gratitude opposed to Ambition, filial revenge, and
Woman's rivalry—what is it but a cruel Curb in the mouth of
a fiery Horse, maddening the fierce animal whom it cannot 90
restrain? Forgive me, Earl Henry! I meant not to move
you so deeply.
Earl Henry. Sandoval, you have uttered that in a waking
hour which having once dreamt, I feared the return of sleep
lest I should dream it over again. My Friend (his Voice 95
trembling) I woo'd the daughter of Don Manrique, but we are
interrupted.
Sandoval. It is Fernandez.
Earl Henry (struggling with his emotions). A true-hearted old
fellow—— 100
Sandoval. As splenetic as he is brave.
Enter Fernandez.
Earl Henry. Well, my ancient! how did you like our tour
through the mountains. (Earl Henry sits down on the seat by
the woodside.)