In this distressing situation, he was visited by the venerable Alvarez, who had persuaded his son to grant him an order for the prisoner’s release.  In the gloom of the dungeon, it was at first difficult to distinguish the features of Zamore; but the old man at last discovered that he was addressing the very American who, so many years ago, instead of hitting him, had embraced his knees.  He was overwhelmed by this extraordinary coincidence.  ’Approach.  O heaven!  O Providence!  It is he, behold the object of my gratitude. ...  My benefactor!  My son!’ But let us not pry further into so affecting a passage; it is sufficient to state that Don Alvarez, after promising his protection to Zamore, hurried off to relate this remarkable occurrence to his son, the Governor.

Act III.—­Meanwhile, Alzire had been married.  But she still could not forget her Peruvian lover.  While she was lamenting her fate, and imploring the forgiveness of the shade of Zamore, she was informed that a released prisoner begged a private interview.  ‘Admit him.’  He was admitted.  ‘Heaven!  Such were his features, his gait, his voice:  Zamore!’ She falls into the arms of her confidante.  ’Je succombe; a peine je respire.’

ZAMORE:  Reconnais ton amant. 
ALZIRE:  Zamore aux pieds d’Alzire! 
Est-ce une illusion?

It was no illusion; and the unfortunate princess was obliged to confess to her lover that she was already married to Don Gusman.  Zamore was at first unable to grasp the horrible truth, and, while he was still struggling with his conflicting emotions, the door was flung open, and Don Gusman, accompanied by his father, entered the room.

A double recognition followed.  Zamore was no less horrified to behold in Don Gusman the son of the venerable Alvarez, than Don Gusman was infuriated at discovering that the prisoner to whose release he had consented was no other than Zamore.  When the first shock of surprise was over, the Peruvian hero violently insulted his enemy, and upbraided him with the tortures he had inflicted.  The Governor replied by ordering the instant execution of the prince.  It was in vain that Don Alvarez reminded his son of Zamore’s magnanimity; it was in vain that Alzire herself offered to sacrifice her life for that of her lover.  Zamore was dragged from the apartment; and Alzire and Don Alvarez were left alone to bewail the fate of the Peruvian hero.  Yet some faint hopes still lingered in the old man’s breast.  ‘Gusman fut inhumain,’ he admitted, ’je le sais, j’en fremis;

    Mais il est ton epoux, il t’aime, il est mon fils: 
    Son ame a la pitie se peut ouvrir encore.’

‘Helas!’ (replied Alzire), ‘que n’etes-vous le pere de Zamore!’