El Dorado; A Tragedy (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903 edition. Excerpt: ... have received That numbs my judgment and makes all the world Appear masked as a plotter to deceive me. Since the shot Perth has never taken his eyes from Coronado. He seems not conscious of what is being said. But now the sound of a trumpet and the tramp of feet are heard just outside and figures with torches are seen, through the doorway, passing. Perth starts violently and turns to the door. Perth. The hour? O God I Hasten, or even now The life will still elude us I Cor. What life? Perth. Running to the doorway, where he is stopped by the Guards. All I Ubeda. The prisoner who there passes to the death. 'Tis midnight--Cor. Remembering. HoldI The order will be stayed For further hearing. To the Guards. Summon the condemned. Ubeda. Hearing there can be none save from our mouths. The prisoner's lips are sealed. He signs the cross. Perth. Yet for those lips I whom you have judged innocent will vouch And give my life as surety. Cor. Enough Blood has been shed. Something is satiated, Something, I know not what. Malignant fiend Or sneering fate whatever name it bears 'Gainst which suspicion is my only blade Has for a time withdrawn. I may disarm. beatrix is led in and Coronado addresses the Guard. The prisoners are free. Let each be given Such lodgment as we have for officers. Show them their several tents. To Beatrix. You have a vow, I will not hold you from fulfilling it. Go now. With sudden abandonment of love under mask of gratitude, Beatrix kneels, takes his hand and presses it to the helmet, then to her breast. Coronado beholds the gesture with the mien of one who receives a mortal wound. He stares at her a moment, then with a cry of desperation he speaks. What is it? I--the deadly wound I It never heals. To himself. 'Twas something in...