Thank me with that, and so dispute the prize,
As if you fought before Cydaria's eyes.
_Orb_. I would not poorly such a gift requite;
You gave me not this sword to yield, but fight:
[_He strives to hold it, but cannot_.
But see, where yours has forced its bloody way;
My wounded hand my heart does ill obey.
_Cort_. Unlucky honour, that controul'st my will?
Why have I vanquished, since I must not kill?
Fate sees thy life lodged in a brittle glass,
And looks it through, but to it cannot pass.
_Orb_. All I can do is frankly to confess,--
I wish I could, but cannot, love her less:
To swear I would resign her, were but vain,
Love would recal that perjured breath again;
And in my wretched case, 'twill be more just,
Not to have promised, than deceive your trust.
Know, if I live once more to see the town,
In bright Cydaria's arms my love I'll crown.
_Cort_. In spite of that, I give thee liberty,
And with thy person leave thy honour free;
But to thy wishes move a speedy pace,
Or death will soon o'ertake thee in the chase.--
To arms, to arms; fate shows my love the way,
I'll force the city on thy nuptial day.
[_Exeunt severally_.
SCENE IV.--Mexico.
_Enter_ MONTEZUMA, ODMAR, GUYOMAR, ALMERIA.
_Mont_. It moves my wonder, that in two days space,
This early famine spreads so swift a pace.
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