_Rod_. I had much rather my own life were lost,
Than Manuel's were preserved.
_Enter the Pirates, retreating before GONSALVO, &c_.
_1 Pirate_. All's lost! they fight like devils, and our captain
Yet sleeping in his bed.
_2 Pirate_. Here lies Don Roderick;
If we must die, we'll not leave him behind.
[_Goes to kill him_.
_Jul_. O, spare my Roderick's life; and, in exchange,
Take mine! I put myself within your power,
To save or kill.
_1 Pirate_. So, here's another pawn,
For all our safeties.
_Man_. Heaven! what has she done?
_Gons_. Let go the lady, or expect no mercy!--The
least drop of her blood is worth all yours.
And mine together.
_1 Pirate_. I am glad you think so:--
Either deliver up your sword, or mine
Shall pierce her heart this moment.
_Gons_. Here, here, take it.
_Man_. You are not mad, to give away all hopes
[_MANUEL holds him_
Of safety and defence, from us, from her,
And from yourself, at once!
_Gons_. When she is dead,
What is there worth defending?
_Man_. Will you trust
A pirate's promise, sooner than your valour?
_Gons_. Any thing, rather than see her in danger.
_1 Pirate_. Nay, if you dispute the matter!--
[_Holds his sword to her breast_.
_Gons_. I yield, I yield!--Reason to love must bow:
Love, that gives courage, can make cowards too!
[_Gives his sword_.
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