_Enter_ TRAXALLA.
_Trax_. Now I shall see, what thoughts her heart
conceals;
For that, which wisdom covers, love reveals. [_Aside_.
Madam, the prisoners are disposed.
_Zemp_. They are?
And how fares our young blustering man of war?
Does he support his chains with patience yet?
_Trax_. He, and the princess, madam--
_Zemp_. Are they met?
_Trax_. No: but from whence is all this passion
grown?
_Zemp_. 'Twas a mistake.
_Trax_. I find this rash unknown
Is dangerous; and, if not timely slain,
May plunge your empire in new wars again.
_Zemp_. Thank ye; I shall consider.
_Trax_. Is that all?
The army doat on him, already call
You cruel; and, for aught I know, they may
By force unchain, and crown him in a day.
_Zemp_. You say, I have already had their curse
For his bad usage; should I use him worse?
_Trax_. Yet once you feared his reputation might
Obscure the prince's in the people's sight.
_Zemp_. Time will inform us best what course to
steer,
But let us not our sacred vows defer:
The Inca and his daughter both shall die.
_Trax_. He suffers justly for the war; but why
Should she share his sad fate? A poor pretence,
That birth should make a crime of innocence.
_Zemp_. Yet we destroy the poisonous viper's young,
Not for themselves, but those from whom they
sprung.
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