Piz. And bound too!

Rol. So fast, thou needest not fear approaching me.

Alm. The guards surprised him passing our outposts.

Piz. Release him instantly! Believe me, I regret this insult.

Rol. You feel then as you ought.

Piz. Nor can I brook to see a warrior of Rolla’s fame disarmed. Accept this, though it has been thy enemy’s.—[Gives a sword.] The Spaniards know the courtesy that’s due to valour.

Rol. And the Peruvians how to forget offence.

Piz. May not Rolla and Pizarro cease to be foes?

Rol. When the sea divides us; yes! May I now depart?

Piz. Freely.

Rol. And shall I not again be intercepted?

Piz. No! Let the word be given that Rolla passes freely.

Enter Davilla and Soldiers, with Alonzo’s Child.

Dav. Here are two soldiers, captured yesterday, who have escaped the Peruvian hold—and by the secret way we have so long endeavoured to discover.

Piz. Silence, imprudent! Seest thou not—

[Pointing to Rolla.

Dav. In their way, they found a Peruvian child, who seems—

Piz. What is the imp to me? Bid them toss it into the sea.

Rol. Gracious Heavens! it is Alonzo’s child! Give it to me.

Piz. Ha! Alonzo’s child!—[Takes the Child.]—Welcome, thou pretty hostage. Now Alonzo is again my prisoner!

Rol. Thou wilt not keep the infant from its mother?

Piz. Will I not! What, when I shall meet Alonzo in the heat of the victorious fight, thinkest thou I shall not have a check upon the valour of his heart, when he is reminded that a word of mine is this child’s death?

Rol. I do not understand thee.

Piz. My vengeance has a long arrear of hate to settle with Alonzo! and this pledge may help to settle the account.

[Gives the Child to a Soldier.

Rol. Man! man! Art thou a man? Couldst thou hurt that innocent?—By Heaven! it’s smiling in thy face.