_Xim._ [_To_ ALPH.] 'Tis desperate now; and I, with ill-timed zeal, Have hastened your destruction.
_Vera._ [_Aside._] Say I should put the ungrateful wretch to death;-- He's thought my son, and, whilst so thought, 'tis dangerous To imprison him; the people might rebel. He's popular, and I am ill beloved.-- Then banish him;--that's best, but yet unsafe: He may with foreign aid reconquer all.-- I'll venture that, with Garcia to my friend; He shall recall his troops, mine are at hand, And ready prest for service. [_He comes to_ ALPH. _and_ XIMENA.
_Vera._ [_To_ ALPH.] Thy doom's resolved; too gentle for thy crimes. I spare thy life, depart to banishment; To-morrow leave the realm, this day the town, And, like the scape-goat driven into the desart, Bear all ill omens with thee.
_Alph._ Proud of my exile, with erected face, I leave your court, your town, and your dominions. Pleased that I love at least without a crime. Lighter by what I lost, I tread in air, Unhappy, but triumphant in despair. [_Exit_ ALPHONSO.
_Vera._ Behold how haughtily he strides away, Lofty and bold; as if not banished hence, But seeking for some other place to reign. I think he cannot hope; but, lest he should, Victoria soon shall be Don Garcia's bride.-- [_To_ XIMENA.] Go, madam, for I know you are in haste, To greet your daughter with this goodly news. Tell her, Alphonso is no more my son; But tell her too, he shall not be her husband. Bid her prepare herself to wed Navarre; Whether by force, or by consent, I care not; To-morrow shall determine that affair. Nor shall my will be frustrate, or delayed; Kings are not kings, unless they be obeyed. [_Exeunt._
SCENE II.--_The Street before_ LOPEZ'S _House_.
_Enter_ SANCHO, _habited like_ DON ALONZO DE CARDONA, _with a hunch-back_, DALINDA _meeting him_.
_Dal._ I watched your coming at the window, and told my father. He's coming out to welcome you.
_San._ But if I chance to break out into a little wit sometimes, you'll excuse my frailty.
_Dal._ Pugh, you are so suspicious of yourself, and have so little reason for it. Be as witty as you can; I fear you not.
_Lop._ Noble Conde, you are welcome from the wars. And who did best in the battle, I beseech your honour?