[Aside.  Trax.  Some black designs are hatching now:—­False eyes Are quick to see another’s treacheries.

[Aside.  Zemp.  Rash stranger, thus to pull down thy own fate!

Mont.  You, and that life you offer me, I hate.

Enter Jailor.

Zemp.  Here, jailor, take—­What title must he have?  Slave, slave!—­Am I then captive to a slave?—­ Why art thou thus unwilling to be free?

Mont.  Death will release me from these chains, and thee.

Zemp.  Here, jailor, take this monster from my sight, And keep him where it may be always night.  Let none come near him; if thou dost, expect To pay thy life, the price of the neglect.

Mont.  I scorn thy pity, and thy cruelty; And should despise a blessing sent from thee.

Zemp.  O, horror to my soul! take him away!—­
My rage, like dammed-up streams, swelled by some stay,
Shall, from this opposition, get new force,
And leave the bound of its old easy course.—­
Come, my Traxalla, let us both forgive,
And in these wretches’ fates begin to live. 
The altars shall be crowned with funeral boughs,
Peace-offerings paid,—­but with unquiet vows. [Exeunt ZEMP. and TRAX.

Oraz.  How are things ordered, that the wicked should
Appear more kind and gentle than the good? 
Her passion seems to make her kinder prove,
And I seem cruel through excess of love: 
She loves, and would prevent his death; but I,
That love him better, fear he should not die. 
My jealousy, immortal as my love,
Would rob my grave below, and me above,
Of rest.—­Ye gods, if I repine, forgive! 
You neither let me die in peace, nor live.

Enter ACACIS, Jailor, and Indian.

Jail.  They are just gone, sir.

Aca.  ’Tis well:  Be faithful to my just design,
And all thy prince’s fortune shall be thine. [Exit ACACIS.

Ind.  This shall to the empress. [Exit Indian.

Oraz.  What can this mean!—­
’Twas Prince Acacis, if I durst believe
My sight; but sorrow may like joy deceive: 
Each object different from itself appears,
That comes not to the eyes, but through their tears.

Enter ACACIS, bringing in MONTEZUMA.  Ha!—­

Aca.  Here, sir, wear this again;—­[Gives a sword.  Now follow me.

Mont.  So, very good;—­
I dare not think, for I may guess amiss;
None can deceive me while I trust in this. [Exeunt.

SCENE II.

Enter ORAZIA, conducted by two Indians with their swords drawn; MONTEZUMA, ACACIS whispering another Indian.

Aca.  Think what a weight upon thy faith I lay.

Ind.  I ne’er did more unwillingly obey.